The release signed by the Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya said that in addition to official observers deployed by the Returning Officers to monitor the marking of postal ballot papers, representatives of contesting political parties or independent groups and observers of approved observer organizations could also participate as observers.

The insured packets containing ballot papers for the accepted applications to vote by post are scheduled to be sent to the relevant Certifying Officers by the Assistant Commissioners of Elections of the relevant districts.

Certifying officers will inform the postal voters on which of the two days, namely September 4 and 5 and the time at which they should report to mark their ballot paper. Eligible postal voters who could not mark their ballot papers on these two days can mark their ballot paper at the relevant District Election Office or in the case of Colombo at the Elections Secretariat where facilities will be available on September 11.

All the postal voters should carry with them their National Identity Card or any other valid identity document approved by the Department of Elections.

Taking of photographs or videoing of marking of ballot papers is not permitted and any such photographs or video obtained without permission should be published or telecast, the release added. (Special Reporter)