According to the Campaign Finance Act, candidates running in the general election on November 14, 2024, must also submit their expense reports. If they don’t, they risk losing their civic rights for a period of three years, as stated by Rohana Hettiarachchi, Executive Director of the People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL), who said with SB news today (19).
In the upcoming General Election, 8,821 candidates are vying for seats
“Within 21 days of the election, they’re required to submit their expenses reports,” Hettiarachchi said.
“General Elections – Failing to disclose expenses for elections by candidates could result in loss of their civic rights – PAFFREL”
He said that as there may only be 196 MPs elected, 8,625 of these candidates are expected to lose. After losing the election, some candidates might believe they have nothing to gain by turning in their expense reports. Those who don’t, though, will face consequences from the Election Commission and the police. These candidates might even have their civic rights revoked for three years, he warned.
Hettiarachchi added, “Those who lose their civic rights will also not be able to run in the 2025 provincial or local council elections.”
