Explainer: Sri Lanka Implements Campaign Expenditure Limits For Presidential Election

The Implementation of Election Expenditure Act, which was enacted in January 2023, is set to be enforced for the first time in the upcoming presidential election in Sri Lanka on September 21.

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The Implementation of Election Expenditure Act, which was enacted in January 2023, is set to be enforced for the first time in the upcoming presidential election in Sri Lanka on September 21. This Act has established regulations regarding campaign finance for the election, signifying a pivotal advancement in the country’s electoral procedures.

Spending Limits and Allocation

The most recent gazette notification, dated August 16 and released on Monday, has delineated the spending limits for the presidential candidates, the report by Business Standard stated. Each candidate is now authorized to expend a maximum of Rs 109 per elector for their election campaign activities. This equates to a total of Rs 1,868,298,586 (approximately $5 million) per candidate. Considering the expenditure cap, the candidates are only permitted to utilize 60 percent of the total amount, while the secretaries of political parties have the discretion to use 40 percent for their candidate’s election campaign endeavors.

Transparency and Accountability Measures

Furthermore, the notification has underscored the requirement for parties to submit comprehensive expenditure reports to the Elections Commission within 21 days of the announcement of the election results. This measure is intended to promote transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Record Number of Candidates

Notably, a record number of 39 candidates are vying in the upcoming presidential election in Sri Lanka. The frontrunners include the incumbent president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, the primary opposition leader, Sajith Premadasa, as well as the leader of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Significance of the Reform

The enforcement of campaign expenditure limits signifies a substantial stride towards fostering fairness and impartiality in Sri Lanka’s electoral process. This advancement will aid in curtailing excessive spending on election campaigns and establishing a level playing field for all candidates and political parties. As the presidential election approaches, adherence to these regulations will be closely monitored to ensure conformity and integrity in the electoral process.

In summary, the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act has introduced crucial measures to regulate campaign finance and expenditure for the impending presidential election. This formidable reform will bolster transparency and accountability, ultimately contributing to the credibility and fairness of the electoral process in Sri Lanka.