Saman Sri Ratnayake, the Commissioner General of the National Elections Commission (NEC) has said that although it has been declared to hold elections on June 20, the NEC is vested with powers to hold it in 2 days, if the need arises.
Speaking to media, he said that distribution of postal ballot papers would commence on May 04 and it is being considered to give preferential numbers to candidates on the same day.
However, the decision on how to hold the election will be announced after reviewing the country's situation that will prevail by May 03.
He further noted that although the cost of the general election was earlier estimated to be Rs. 7 billion, it could increase if it required to hold the election as per special requirements of health authorities.
It is said that factors such as the increased length of the ballot papers as well as authorities compelling to increase the number of duty halls and voting lines at polling stations would lead to this.
With the number of candidates increasing, the ballot paper would be around 14 inches long in most districts. However, some districts are even to receive ballot papers as long as 27 inches.
(Mirror)