The Election Commission has directed all candidates who contested the 2023 Local Government (LG) Elections to submit their campaign income and expenditure reports no later than May 28.
In a statement issued this week, the Commission emphasized that all financial disclosures must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Election Expenditure Regulation Act No. 03 of 2023. Candidates are required to hand over these reports to the Returning Officers of their respective electoral districts.
Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake noted that the move is part of broader efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
However, concerns have been raised about the enforceability of the law. Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Election Studies (IRES), highlighted a significant gap in implementing penalties for candidates who fail to comply with the reporting requirements.
Gajanayake called for the introduction of clearer legal provisions and enforcement mechanisms to hold non-compliant candidates accountable and safeguard the integrity of the election process.
