With just hours remaining before the deadline to submit income and expenditure reports for the parliamentary elections, only 20% of candidates have complied, according to the Executive Director of PAFFREL, Rohana Hettiarachchi.

He made this revelation during a media briefing held in Kirulapone today (5 december).

Hettiarachchi stressed the legal consequences of failing to submit these reports by midnight tomorrow (6 December), noting that it constitutes a violation of election laws. “Candidates who fail to submit their reports will not be allowed to contest future elections and will lose their right to vote for three years,” he warned.

Amid this, preparations are underway to accept nominations for the local government elections. Hettiarachchi highlighted the significance of these elections, emphasizing that they must be held within the next 3-4 months. He further clarified that the Election Commission lacks the authority to postpone the elections, urging the MPs to expedite any necessary legal changes to avoid delays.

“Younger candidates will have greater opportunities in this election cycle, which will enhance democratic practices,” Hettiarachchi added.

So far, out of the total candidates involved, only 1,985 have submitted their income and expenditure reports, he said.