The cost of security paper used for printing ballot papers has increased fourfold since the 2019 Presidential Election, making it economically beneficial for the country to have a minimum number of candidates, according to two sources.
A source from the Department of Government Printing noted that there were 36 candidates in the last election, resulting in a 27-inch long ballot paper. At that time, security paper materials cost Rs. 300,000 per tonne, a figure that has since increased fourfold.
“We never know the exact number of candidates this time. The fewer the candidates, the shorter the ballot paper, making it more cost-effective for the government,” the source said.
The Department maintains a buffer stock of printing materials with security features, sufficient for the upcoming Presidential Election. However, new orders will be needed for future elections immediately following the presidential poll.
The source also mentioned that the cost of white paper has increased exponentially.
Another top source from the Election Commission emphasized that the Constitution guarantees any citizen the right to participate in elections, thus no restrictions can be placed on the number of candidates. However, the source urged citizens to be mindful of the government’s cost burden and to refrain from contesting merely for the sake of contesting.
“When there are more and more candidates, the ballot paper is lengthened, which is costly and can confuse voters in selecting their preferred candidate,” the source said.
Source – dailymirror.lk
