Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Rathnayake yesterday said that all preparations had been finalised for the 2024 Parliamentary election on November 14. This will be the first election under the Government of the National People’s Power. It is expected to set the tone for the country’s political future under the leadership of President Dissanayake.
The Parliamentary election will determine the composition of the 17th Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Voting will take place at 13,421 polling stations across the country from 7am to 4 pm. Over 75,000 police officers will be deployed across the country to maintain order at polling stations and surrounding areas during, and after the election to ensure a safe and secure election.
The number of eligible voters participating at the election is 17,140,354. A minimum of 113 seats are needed to form a majority in Parliament which consists of 225 members, with 196 elected through proportional representation in the electoral districts and 29 appointed via the National List.
Eight thousand eight hundred and eighty one candidates have filed nominations for the election.
This includes 5,464 candidates from registered political parties and 3,357 Independent candidates vying for a role in the country’s legislative process.
The election will be conducted in 13,421 polling stations countrywide. The Colombo district has the highest concentration of candidates with 966 contesting for seats. Polonnaruwa has the least number with 120 candidates, Election Commission sources said.