All preparations for the Local Government Elections set for Tuesday (6) are now complete, with results expected to be released by Tuesday night, according to the Election Commission (EC).

The EC said it had ensured that all necessary arrangements were in place to facilitate a smooth and secure election process.

According to Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, nearly 200,000 officials have been appointed for election inquiries and vote counting. 

The commission has also arranged for tri-forces officers to be deployed to maintain the safety of citizens and ensure the proper conduct of the elections.

Rathnayake confirmed that the commission had received a total of 3,998 complaints related to the elections, although most were minor and had already been addressed. 

The majority of these complaints were related to posters, cut-outs, and other minor violations. 

Of the total complaints, 26 were classified as violent incidents, while 3,722 were violations of election laws. A total of 3,362 complaints have been resolved, with action still pending in relation to the remaining 636.

To ensure the security and smooth operation of the elections, approximately 65,000 Police officers and 3,000 Special Task Force officers have been deployed, according to Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga.

The Police has also been monitoring election-related incidents, receiving 415 complaints regarding election law violations and 109 criminal complaints from 3 March to 3 May. 

During this period, 43 Local Government candidates have been arrested in relation to violations, along with 190 political supporters. Additionally, 41 vehicles have been seized in connection to election-related incidents.