UTV | COLOMBO – The National Election Commission says not granting leave requested by an employee to vote at the 2020 General Election is a punishable offense.
The Commission in a statement said employees must be granted appropriate time to cast their ballots on the 5th of August. The Commission noted that the failure to grant leave for employees to vote is an offense that can be prosecuted before a Magistrate Court and punished.
The minimum time-frame stipulated in the Parliamentary Elections Act is four hours upon the request of an eligible voter. Any issues pertaining to obtaining leave to cast ballots at the election, can be directed to Deputy or Assistant Commissioner of Elections of the District Elections Office.
The Election Commission said all complaints will be dealt with by District Assistant Commissioners of Labour on the advice of the Secretary to the Ministry of Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations.
Marking of postal ballots for the 2020 General Election commenced at 9 this morning and will be worked-off till the 21st of July.
Meanwhile, polling for the 2020 Parliamentary Election will take place between 7am and 5pm on the 5th of August.