Campaigning ends as SL enters “Silent Period” ahead of 2024 Polls
By: Isuru Parakrama
November 11, Colombo (LNW): Campaigning activities for Sri Lanka’s 2024 general election will officially conclude at midnight tonight, ushering in a mandatory “silent period” during which all forms of electioneering are prohibited.
This restriction will remain in place until polling day on November 14, said National Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake.
He emphasised that, as of midnight on November 12, candidates must cease operations at all campaign offices established on an electorate basis.
Only the central offices of political parties or independent groups, based within each electoral district, will be permitted to continue functioning during this period.
Additionally, candidates may maintain campaign offices at their residences until midnight on Novmeber 12, though Ratnayake reminded them that no propaganda materials are to be displayed there.
Strict regulations also apply to locations near polling stations; any candidate’s campaign office or residence located within 500 metres of a polling station must ensure that no promotional content is visible from those locations.
The Election Commission has urged all candidates and parties to comply with these guidelines to uphold electoral integrity and avoid any potential legal consequences, whilst encouraging all registered voters to exercise their right to vote.
