No barrier to form councils without clear majority: Official

Friday, 9 May 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Commissioner General of Elections Saman

Sri Ratnayake

Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake yesterday clarified that councils without a clear majority can still form councils.

“There is no obstacle to forming an administration where no single party has a majority,” he told journalists.

He said these councils may reach consensus among members or vote to select leaders, as happened previously in certain areas.

When asked about lower voter turnout this year, he said it is generally observed that people are less enthusiastic about voting in local elections.

“The 2018 Local Government elections were an exception, with an unusual 78% turnout. This year, it ranged between 55%-60%, which is the average level,” he said.

Despite a few isolated incidents, Ratnayake described the election as largely peaceful.