The Elections Department has banned voters from covering their faces when coming to polling booths to cast their votes.
The law will also apply to Muslim women who wear Burqas covering their faces.The decision has been made after certain political parties raised concerns saying burqas and niqabs, worn by Muslim women, make it difficult for officials to ascertain their identity.
It is learnt that Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), a constituent party of the government, has brought this matter to the attention of the Elections Commissioner, at a recent meeting held at the Elections Department.
In response, the Elections Department has stated that any dress that obstructs officials from ascertaining identity of voters.
The law will be applicable to Uva Provincial Council election which is taking place in September. According to statistics of the Elections Department, there is a sizable proportion of Muslims in the Uva province who are registered as voters.
However, speaking to Asian Mirror, a spokesman of the Elections Department said the law would not prohibit traditional dresses worn by Muslims that do not cover faces.
