Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake states that each additional candidate on the presidential election ballot increases costs by approximately Rs. 200 million.
“I estimate that every new name added results in at least a Rs. 200 million increase in costs. All the funds we use belong to the people of this country. Many candidates announce their candidacy merely for media attention, to enter parliament in future, or to gain other benefits,” he said.
He also revealed that the maximum length for a ballot paper printed at the government press is 27.5 inches. If the number of candidates increases, names must be printed in two columns. This will limit the number of ballot papers that can fit in a ballot box, necessitating more ballot boxes and thereby increasing labor and transportation costs significantly.
“Increasing the number of candidates triggers a chain reaction in costs. An increase in expenditure is acceptable as long as the candidates promote a genuine vision or ideology,” he added.
As of Friday (August 9), 27 candidates have deposited cash bonds to contest the 2024 presidential election. (NewsWire)
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