Misleading Election Dates Circulated on Social Media

The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has announced the dates for the upcoming elections. In light of this, there has been a surge in misleading claims circulating on social media about the election dates. These false statements are causing confusion among the public, making it crucial to verify information from credible sources to ensure accurate understanding and prevent the spread of misinformation.

Social Media Posts

Several social media posts are circulating with misleading dates for the upcoming presidential election in Sri Lanka.

FB | Archived

Fact Check

In recent days, multiple posts have appeared on various social media platforms, claiming different dates for the upcoming presidential election in Sri Lanka. These posts have caused confusion among the public, leading to widespread misinformation.

Official Announcement

To set the record straight, the Election Commission of Sri Lanka has officially proclaimed that the presidential election will take place on Saturday, September 21. This announcement was made via a Gazette Notification, which also specified that nominations will be accepted on August 15.That can be reached here

The election commission also announced that they are not taking responsibility for the various statements of individuals about the election date.It can be reached here

Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake emphasized the procedural integrity of the commission's decision-making process, stating, "The Election Commission operates strictly within the framework of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the President's Election Act No. 15 of 1981. We do not yield to external pressures or requests."

In response to recent criticisms and allegations of undue influence, Rathnayake defended the choice of September 21st as the election day, citing logistical and practical considerations. "Saturday was selected to facilitate maximum voter participation," he explained. "Most private sector employees are off later in the day on Saturdays, making it easier for them to cast their ballots. This decision also minimizes disruption to schools and allows government employees to fulfill their civic duty over the weekend."

Rathnayake urged the public and stakeholders to trust in the Election Commission's commitment to transparency and fairness. "We urge all parties to review the gazette and relevant legislation before making unfounded statements that may erode public confidence. We have a duty to uphold the trust of the 17.1 million voters in our country."More details can be read here

Misleading Claims

Despite this clear announcement, some social media users have been sharing incorrect dates. Examples of misleading posts include claims that the election will be held on:

September 28

October 5

These dates are incorrect and do not reflect the official schedule set by the Election Commission.

Verification and Sources

For accurate and up-to-date information, it is crucial to rely on official sources. The Election Commission's official announcements, published in the Gazette Notification, provide the definitive dates for the election and nominations.

Impact of Misinformation

Misinformation regarding election dates can have serious consequences, including voter confusion and decreased voter turnout. It is essential for the public to verify information from reliable sources before sharing it on social media.

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Conclusion

The official date for the presidential election in Sri Lanka is Saturday, September 21, and nominations will be accepted on August 15. Any other dates circulating on social media are incorrect. We urge everyone to rely on official announcements and refrain from sharing unverified information.