First-time voters and their requests 

The upcoming general election has become the hottest topic in the island. Among the many voters, a greater percentage consists of the first-timers which are the youth. While getting to know what they think of the opportunity they have to vote, they also shared some requests they have to make to the incoming government with the Daily Mirror Life.

Dhanushi

I am voting for the first time and I am aware of the voting procedure. As a youth I would like to see the incoming government taking measures to empower the youth and uplift their present situation.

Nishan

This is not the first time I am voting. However I would like to request the incoming government to divert their attention more towards free education and the issue of youth unemployment because these two issues are growing by the day.

I.G.J Sirikula

This the first time that I am voting and I am voting to see a change. As a youth I have seen no difference between the regimes that have ruled the country so far. Whatsoever they have to ensure that the country is safe by all means and have one policy to work for.

Dinushika

I am a first time voter and I would like to see a change. There is a lot of privatization and I think that shouldn’t be done. Local students face an injustice when things get privatized. The youth have high hopes to be employed after their education. I would like to ask any government to give us a hand and assist us in developing our future.

Suresh

I am a first time voter. I think all governments should think of the common man on equal grounds. I like to see equality within the country.

Tips to voters 

According to the People’s Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL) a voter is entitled to one vote which has to be cast for the political party or the independent group of his choice. He is also entitled to mark up to three preferences against the names of three candidates of the political party or the independent group he votes for.

A recognized form of identification is essential for voting :- all eligible voters are required to present a form of identification acceptable to the Commissioner of Elections in order to exercise their vote. As such they need to have a National Identity Card, Valid Passport, Valid Driving License, Identity Cards issued to the Clergy, pensioners and the elderly and temporary Identity Cards issued by the Department of Elections.

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe
Photographs by Kushan Pathiraja