• EC urges strong voter turnout
• 250,000 state officials and employees on duty
• Mobile Police patrols and STF deployed, Armed forces on standby to assist maintaining order

The Election Commission (EC) stated that around 250,000 government officials, security arrangements, and all other necessary resources are ready for the Local Government (LG) Elections to be held tomorrow (6).

Speaking to The Daily Morning, EC Chairperson, R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that government officers, security personnel, and other facilities have been fully prepared for the LG Elections. In relation to the security arrangements, he said that the Police, along with mobile units, the Special Task Force, and the Army, are on standby to support and maintain order.

He also said that it would be important for the people to cast their vote in the Elections, pointing out that LG institutions handle many aspects of the people's daily lives. “LG representatives are those who will make decisions about the people's immediate surroundings and services. We urge everyone to make sure they cast their vote and help appoint responsible representatives," he pointed out.

Rathnayake added that the public has already been informed about the voting process. “There’s nothing new or complicated this time. Just mark a cross in front of the political party or independent group you support. We have informed the public about it through paper advertisements and other methods. We will be doing it until the Elections conclude."

The LG institutions for which representatives are to be elected tomorrow include 28 municipal councils, 36 urban councils and 272 pradeshiya sabhas. The Kalmunai Municipal Council, Dehiattakandiya Pradeshiya Sabha (Ampara District), Mannar Pradeshiya Sabha (Mannar District), Punakari Pradeshiya Sabha (Kilinochchi District), and Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha (Galle District) are excluded from the Elections.