The Election Commission has issued a clarification regarding how the Chairperson of a local government body is appointed when no single political party or independent group secures more than 50% of the total number of seats.

In such cases, Assistant Commissioners of Local Government will visit the relevant local authorities where there is no clear majority and hold discussions with all elected members. Based on the consensus among those members, the Chairperson will be appointed, said Saman Sri Ratnayake.

He also noted that in some instances, proposals may be made and a vote could be held among the members.

However, Ratnayake emphasized that the council will be established through an agreement reached by all elected members.

He further stated that such outcomes are possible under the proportional representation electoral system when no party achieves an outright majority. Ratnayake added that the list of elected members who won at the recently concluded local government elections will be published in an upcoming gazette notification.