Election Commission’s Bold Stance on Missing Candidates Revealed

News Today: Election Commission Unfazed by Disappearance of Presidential Candidates

The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has declared that the mysterious disappearance of three presidential candidates is not a matter of concern for them. This statement was made following reports that three candidates who had submitted their presidential nominations had subsequently vanished.

Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES), addressed the media, noting that only fifteen out of thirty-eight candidates have organized meetings to present their platforms to the public. The lack of activity by the remaining candidates, including the three who have disappeared, has raised questions about their commitment to the electoral process.

Election Commission Chairman R. M. A. L. Rathnayake clarified that the Commission’s responsibility ends once the nomination papers are accepted. “If they have gone missing, a police complaint can be lodged. The Election Commission does not get involved,” he stated, underscoring that it is up to the concerned parties to take appropriate legal action if needed.

Further addressing the situation, Chairman Rathnayake also commented on the candidates who have not organized any public meetings. He stated that it is their personal choice and not within the Commission’s jurisdiction to dictate or ensure that candidates hold public engagements.

The stance of the Election Commission, as reported in Legacy Daily, reflects its commitment to neutrality and adherence to the rule of law, maintaining that their role is strictly administrative and procedural. They do not engage in the affairs of the candidates beyond the scope of election management.

The disappearing act of the three presidential candidates adds a mysterious twist to the upcoming election, leaving voters and political analysts alike pondering the implications for the democratic process in Sri Lanka.