(UTV | COLOMBO) – The National Election Commission (NEC) said campaigning and propaganda activities for the General Election ended by midnight on August 2.
“One should abstain from conducting propaganda meetings, pocket meetings or house meetings after August 2. Visiting residences to canvas and distributing handbills are also not allowed after this date.
Displaying advertising, placards at proclaimed party officers and displaying posters, placards, banners are also prohibited during the said silent period.
The NEC requested all political parties, groups and candidates to extend their utmost support for the conduct of a free and fair election while abstaining themselves from any of the aforesaid activities during the silent period.
Even though a consensus was reached at the Party Secretaries’ meeting held on July 26 to consider granting approval for visiting residences to canvass and distribute handbills on August 3, the NEC has now decided not to allow such activities during the silent period.
The NEC said it arrived at this decision considering the prevailing legal implications, objections raised by various stakeholders and the risk of setting a bad precedence. In addition, the disturbances that may cause to religious observances on August 3 (a Poya Day) have also led to this decision.
“It is also informed that all police officers have been instructed through the acting IGP to pursue action to prevent all aforesaid illegal activities from taking place during the silent period,” Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said.