COLOMBO, Nov 14 (NNN-ADA) – Competition is tight between the New Democratic Front’s (NDF) candidate, Sajith Premadasa, and former Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).
Rajapaksa’s final rally took place in the town of Homagama on Wednesday evening, while Premadasa concluded his campaign in Colombo.
Thus far, 35 candidates have submitted their nominations, while two — Milroy Fernando and Dr. I.M. Illyas — have openly urged supporters to vote for Premadasa.
In comments to the media, Mahinda Deshapriya, chairman of the Election Commission, said, all candidates have been requested to attend a special meeting on Thursday (today) to be briefed about the electoral process, including the counting of votes and the announcement of results.
The commission urged the candidates not to partake in any promotional activities on social media.
It has received 3,729 complaints pertaining to vandalism and violation of laws, leading up to the elections, with 27 cases of violence reported. Additionally, 3,596 election law violations were reported.
Ali Sabry, the chief legal adviser to Gotabaya, said that a proven track record will propel Gotabaya to victory.
Sabry added that Gotabaya is taking credit for eliminating terrorism in Sri Lanka. Industry and Commerce Minister, Rishad Bathiudeen, who was involved in Premadasa’s political campaign, said, he is hopeful about his candidate’s chances.
Bathiudeen, who is the leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress, said, Premadasa would garner 95 percent of the Muslim vote and a majority of Tamil votes.
Meanwhile, the chair of the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka, N. M. Amin, said, this is the first time that incidents of election violence are few and far between.
Meanwhile, a group deployed by the Commonwealth to observe the presidential elections has called on stakeholders to demonstrate a commitment to a “peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive” poll.
The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) was invited by the Election Commission to observe the poll.
The COG will receive briefings from relevant stakeholders, including election management officials, representatives of political parties, civil society groups, the police, members of the international community, citizens and international observers.
In a statement, COG Chairperson, Prosper Bani said, “As independent observers, we will remain objective and impartial in discharging our duties. The Group’s assessment will be its own and not that of any Commonwealth member country. We hope that our group’s presence will support the strengthening of democracy in Sri Lanka.”
The Presidential Election is scheduled to take place this Saturday (Nov 16).
