The Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha election which will be held tomorrow (26) has a history of delays and legal battles that have spanned over six years. Here’s an overview of the events leading up to the much-anticipated election, why it was postponed for so long and what voters can expect.
Background: The 2018 Rejection and Legal Challenge
The story begins with the local government elections of 2018, when the nomination paper submitted by the Democratic United National Front (DUNF) for the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha was rejected by the Galle District Returning Officer. The rejection occurred because the nomination paper had not been submitted by an authorized officer of the party in person, as required. In response to this setback, candidates from the DUNF filed a fundamental rights petition with the Supreme Court, challenging the rejection and seeking justice.
The Supreme Court's intervention led to an interim injunction, halting the election until the legal matters could be resolved. It took nearly a year before a three-judge panel ordered an immediate election for the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha, overturning the initial rejection and directing the Election Commission to accept the previously disqualified nomination papers. This legal victory marked a turning point, setting the stage for the 2019 election.
Election Results in 2019
When the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha election was finally held in 2019, it saw a significant voter turnout. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) emerged victorious, securing 56.31% of the vote, which translated to 17 wards. The United National Party (UNP) followed with 24.37%, while the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) and People’s Liberation Front (JVP) received 12.71% and 5.87%, respectively. Out of 53,384 registered voters, an impressive 98.58% cast valid votes.
Delays in the 2024 Election Announcement
The Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha’s term, which began in November 2019, faced continuous political and administrative hurdles, eventually coming to an end on 6 March 2024. The local council’s budget was rejected four consecutive times, prompting the government to appoint a special commissioner to manage the council under the Provincial Council Act. The council members’ terms were extended through a special gazette until 4 November 2024, further pushing the election date.
It wasn’t until 26 August 2024, that the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) finally announced that the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha election would be held on 26 October 2024. This decision came shortly after the conclusion of the presidential election, amid growing pressure to restore local democratic governance.
Nominations for the 2024 Election
Nominations for the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha election were open from 9 – 12 September 2024. Nine recognized political parties and two independent groups submitted nominations, though two were rejected. A total of 10 political parties and two independent groups placed cash deposits, but the Democratic People’s Congress, despite placing a deposit, did not submit their nomination papers.
Among the parties contesting the election are the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), People’s United Freedom Alliance (UPFA), Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), National People’s Power (NPP), and others. The election will determine 28 council members, with 17 elected by vote on a divisional basis and 11 selected through proportional representation. Voting will take place across 48 polling stations, and 279 candidates are vying for seats.
Voter Guidelines and Special Provisions
The Election Commission has taken measures to accommodate voters with disabilities. Under Section 54(2) of the principal Act by Elections (Special Provisions) Act No. 28 of 2011, visually or physically disabled persons can be accompanied by another person to assist in marking their ballot paper. Additionally, a certificate of eligibility must be presented at the polling station.
For those with mobility issues, special transport facilities are available. Physically disabled individuals unable to reach polling stations by regular means can apply for transportation assistance through Grama Niladhari Offices or the Election Commission’s website.
The 2024 election will see 55,643 registered voters across 17 constituencies. Each voter is entitled to one vote, with ballot papers listing the names and symbols of contesting parties, and symbols for independent groups. The Election Commission has made it clear that the names of individual candidates or wards will not appear on the ballot paper. Voters are requested to mark only one “cross (X)” in the space provided on the right side of the name and symbol of the Party or number and symbol of the Independent Group they wish to cast their vote.
According to Section 53A(3) of the Local Government Elections Ordinance (Chapter 262), voters will have their left thumb marked with an appropriate sign to prevent double voting and ensure transparency, the Election Commission announced on 17 October 2024. This measure has been introduced in response to concerns raised about potential confusion during the polling process for the recent Presidential Election. If a voter’s left thumb is unavailable, the mark will be applied to the right thumb, or if necessary, another finger.
(Reference: Interim Report into Elpitiya PS Election – PAFFREL)
