Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has urged the government to hold Provincial Council elections as a means of gauging public opinion on the current system of governance and state policy.

Speaking during a discussion with port trade unions, Premadasa said that if the government’s approach is correct, it should allow the people to express their views through elections. He stressed that such polls would serve as a democratic consultation, enabling citizens to evaluate the government’s performance.

Premadasa accused the Prime Minister and the government of delaying Provincial Council elections despite previously insisting on their necessity while in opposition. He warned that postponing the polls undermines the democratic rights of the people and called on the government not to trample those rights.

The Opposition Leader added that holding elections would provide a clear measure of public sentiment on the government’s policies and reforms, reinforcing accountability and transparency in governance. (Newswire)

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has crossed the halfway mark in early leads, and has managed to retain a significant gap between itself and the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). 

As the trends continued to pour in, TMC leaders termed the situation “fishy”, and urged caution in making claims of a landslide victory. 

With West Bengal heading into verdict day today (May 4, 2026) after over a month of frenzied campaigning, the TMC looks to hold on to power, while the BJP seeks to make a historic breakthrough and claim the State for the first time. 

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) and the Congress will be watching with equal keenness, hoping to reclaim a foothold in the State’s electoral map after five years in the wilderness, following their wipeout in the 2021 polls. 

This year the State saw a turnout of 92.8% in the first phase on April 23, while the second recorded 91.47 % polling on April 29 — the highest in the State since Independence, according to the State’s Chief Electoral Officer. (The Hindu)

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As per the latest update from the Election Commission of India, TVK is leading in 103 seats in Tamil Nadu, strengthening its position as the frontrunner in the state.

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is leading in 67 seats, while the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is trailing with 38 seats.

One of the most talked-about developments is actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, whose party TVK is showing a strong performance in early trends. In the Perambur constituency, Vijay is leading by a margin of 5,865 votes over DMK’s R.D. Shekar after the second round of counting.

He is also ahead in Tiruchirappalli (East), where he has secured an early lead of 5,286 votes against DMK candidate S. Inigo Irudayaraj after the third round.

These early trends have generated significant buzz, as TVK appears to be making a strong electoral debut. However, with counting still underway across all constituencies, the final outcome remains uncertain.

As of 11.15 am, the latest trends show that Vijay’s TVK has secured 107 seats, followed by ADMK with 77 seats, and DMK with 49 seats. (Pratidin Time)

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Actor-politician Vijay led early trends in Perambur but trailed in Tiruchirappalli East on counting day, setting up a split verdict in the two DMK-held seats he chose as the launchpad for his electoral debut.

Perambur, Assembly constituency no. 12, sits in North Chennai under the Chennai North Lok Sabha seat. With around 2.22 lakh voters, it is one of the city’s most visible urban segments and a traditional arena of Dravidian politics.

The seat has leaned toward the DMK in recent elections. In 2021, DMK’s R.D. Sekar won comfortably with 52.53% of the vote, defeating PTMK’s N.R. Dhanabalan, who polled about 25.10%. Earlier cycles saw shifts, including an AIADMK win in 1991, reflecting changing political currents in the city.

Perambur is being framed in television coverage as a battleground because Vijay picked it as his debut constituency, directly challenging the DMK on its North Chennai stronghold. 

The dense working and lower-middle-class profile, with industrial pockets and old residential zones, gives the seat symbolic weight for a party projecting itself as a people’s platform.

Vijay, as TVK chief, is also contesting Tiruchirappalli East, another DMK-held seat. His decision to fight from two non-safe constituencies underlines an aggressive strategy aimed at testing his appeal against the ruling party across regions.

TVK is contesting all 234 seats on its own, positioning Perambur and Trichy East as twin flagship contests in north and central Tamil Nadu. 

As of 09.30 am, Vijay’s TVK leads in 63 seats, overtaking MK Stalin’s DMK, which has secured 62 seats. (NDTV)

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Voters in Tamil Nadu will take part in an unprecedented triangular contest on Thursday, 23 April, in the 2026 Assembly elections. Polling will be held in a single phase across all 234 constituencies, from 7 am to 6 pm, at 75,064 booths across the state.

Following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission of India late last year, 5,73,43,291 electors are enrolled to vote. This includes 2,80,30,658 men, 2,93,04,905 women, and 7,728 third gender electors.

Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik said 14,59,039 new voters have been added, along with 68,501 service electors. Authorities have received 4,18,541 postal ballots so far.

As per the ECI’s instructions under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, poll day has been declared a public holiday.

It applies to every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking or other establishment, including those working outside their constituency.

Voters will not be allowed to carry mobile phones inside polling booths. 

Arrangements have been made outside polling stations to store devices safely.

Dry days have been notified across Tamil Nadu and in border areas of neighbouring states and union territories from 21 April to 23 April, and again on 4 May, when the votes will be counted.

A repeat of 2006?

The principal contenders are the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which includes over 20 parties and community organisations; the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance; Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by actor Vijay; and Naam Tamilar Katchi, led by Seeman.

Some political observers expect no party to win a clear majority. Others say anti-DMK votes may not consolidate behind the AIADMK but shift to Vijay. That shift would split the opposition vote further and could allow the DMK to retain power without a unified challenge.

Such a result has precedent. In 2006, no party won a majority, but the ruling AIADMK secured 61 seats, rising to 69 with allies. The DMK, then in opposition, emerged as the single largest party with 96 seats, still short of the 117 required.

With support from the Congress (34 seats), along with Left parties and other allies, the DMK formed a minority government. That election is considered the last “broken mandate” in the state. The question now is whether the 2026 election will produce another fractured verdict.

Polling infrastructure and security

Across the state, 75,064 polling stations have been set up at 33,133 locations with 1,06,408 EVMs, 75,064 control units and 75,064 VVPAT machines. Additionally, 20 percent of machines are kept as reserve. There will be 63 counting centres and four control rooms established.

Special polling stations include:
249 model polling stations
325 all-women polling stations
71 polling stations managed by persons with disabilities
79 polling stations run by young staff
Select locations will also have green polling stations

A total of 3,60,068 polling personnel, 83,875 police personnel and 40,427 non-police personnel are involved in the polling process. In addition, 300 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, allotted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, have been deployed across all districts.

Authorities have identified 5,949 polling stations as sensitive. Through the cVIGIL app, they have received 5,634 complaints, which are being addressed.

Thus far, in enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, officials have seized ₹1,262 crore worth of cash and gift items, including ₹543 crore in cash. (South First)

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Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake, says a special select committee will be appointed to review the legal situation related to conducting the Provincial Council Elections.

Minister Rathnayake further said that the committee will review and take necessary steps to hold the elections expeditiously.

He made the remarks while addressing the Parliament today. (Newswire)

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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has called for applications from individuals who wish to contest under the party for the Provincial Council elections.

Issuing a notice, the SJB said applications must include details of the relevant district’s voter registration, permanent residence in the area, as well as personal, educational, political, social and economic information. 

Applicants are advised to send a bio data form with the relevant information, under the headline Provincial Council Application, through registered post. 

The applications are to be sent to the General Secretary, Samagi Jana Balawegaya, No.592, Bangala Junction, Kotte Road, Pittakotte. 

Earlier today, the government announced that the Provincial Council elections will be held next year, but did not reveal a timeframe. (Newswire)

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The Court of Appeal today dismissed the contempt of court case filed against the Director General of Sports over the alleged failure to conduct elections for Sri Lanka Rugby, as previously agreed before the Colombo District Court.

The ruling was delivered by Acting President of the Court of Appeal Justice Mohamed Lafar Tahir and Justice Priyantha Fernando, who also instructed the withdrawal of the contempt charges.

Appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena submitted that the contempt rule had been issued based on misrepresented facts and breached the principle of “Uberrima fides”. 

He also noted that the Director General had complied with the undertaking by calling the Special General Meeting of Sri Lanka Rugby and appointing the Election Committee. Accordingly, the Court was requested to withdraw both the rule and the undertaking.

Accepting the submissions, the Court of Appeal recalled the rule, permitted the withdrawal of the undertaking made on December 4, 2024, and terminated Writ Application No. 438/2024. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) has proposed a referendum to postpone both the presidential and parliamentary elections by two years, allowing President Ranil Wickremesinghe to continue implementing economic reforms.

UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara addressing a media briefing on Tuesday said that the President’s term must be extended by at least two years.

“If not five years, the President’s term must be extended by at least two years. The Parliament’s term must also be extended by two years without going for an election at this time,” Bandara said.

He also urged the main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the National People’s Power (NPP), to support this initiative.

Bandara stressed that postponing the elections would not be undemocratic if the process would involve elected representatives in Parliament passing a motion, which would then be followed by a referendum.

He further emphasized that the current economic crisis necessitates stability and continuity in leadership. “It is futile to waste money with elections at this crucial time. I urge all MPs to consider this,” he said.

Bandara argued that President Wickremesinghe’s ongoing reform efforts have already brought stability and must be allowed to continue until the economy fully recovers.

He added that Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike had also taken a decision to postpone elections in the 1970s, adding that necessary legal amendments can be made if required. (Newswire)

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The Election Commission and a collective of civil society organisations conducted a vital dialogue on the formulation of new media guidelines in view of upcoming elections in Sri Lanka.

The discussion held in Colombo, saw the participation of a diverse group of stakeholders, including journalists, media representatives from various platforms such as print, broadcast, digital, and social media, as well as diplomats, politicians, researchers, and members of civil society organisations.

The event was organized by the collaborative effort of Factum, the Media Law Forum, Hashtag Generation, the Broadcasters Guild of Sri Lanka, and l the Institute for Democratic Reform and Electoral Studies (IRES), with the participation of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka.

These organizations collectively sought to frame a discussion addressing the evolving role of different media outlets during election periods, as well as the transition and challenges faced by digital and traditional media platforms.

Dr. Ranga Kalansooriya and Commissioner General of Elections Saman Shri Ratnayake led the discussion, joined by Mandana Ismail, Jagath Liyanarachchi, and Darshatha Gamage. The panel delved into the legal implications and challenges confronted by contemporary media, the formulation and enforcement of revised media guidelines for election coverage, and the impact of artificial intelligence and social media on electoral processes.

The gathering highlighted the critical need for updated guidelines that can navigate the complexities of technology and traditional media practices during elections. The discussion also focused on ensuring a fair and balanced media approach that can contribute effectively to the democratic process, safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process in Sri Lanka.(NewsWire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved to take the necessary actions related to the amendment of electoral laws and financial allocations for the Presidential, general, and local council elections. 

According to the government, the Cabinet has taken up for consideration the fact that an allocation of Rs.10 billion has been made by the budget estimated for the year 2024 and that within the financial stamina of the government, those provisions have to be managed to cover the expenditure of the Presidential election and general election. 

Furthermore, it was observed by the Cabinet that funds required for conducting provincial council elections and local government elections should be released from the budget for the year 2025 owing to the limited financial situation. 

However, after conducting those two elections in the year 2025, the Cabinet took into account that the revisions for the applicable election laws should be introduced subject to amendments of the Parliament, if required, based on the scheduled recommendations to be presented by the test commission to the Parliament declared by the extraordinary gazette notification No. 2354/06 dated 16.10.2023 as well as established under Test Commissions Act (Authority 393) No. 17 of 1948. 

The Cabinet of Ministers has decided to grant their consent to take necessary actions based on those facts presented by the President. (NewsWire)

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Police in Senegal cracked down on protests in the capital Dakar and at least one senior opposition figure was arrested a day after President Macky Sall announced the indefinite postponement of the presidential election scheduled for February 25.

The European Union on Sunday said the postponement opens a “period of uncertainty”, and the United States called for a swift new date for free polls.

In a televised address to the nation, Sall announced on Saturday that he had cancelled the relevant electoral law, citing a dispute over the candidate list.

He said he signed a decree abolishing a November 2023 measure that had set the original election date, but did not give a new date. Last month, Senegal’s Constitutional Council excluded some prominent opposition members from the list of candidates.

Tear gas fired at protesters

Hundreds of men and women of all ages took to the streets on Sunday, heeding the call of some opposition candidates.

Former Prime Minister Aminata Toure, now a leading opposition figure, was arrested while arriving at one protest, she posted on X. She served as premier under Sall before joining the opposition and becoming one of his most outspoken critics.

Denouncing Sall’s decision to postpone the election, Toure described it as an “unprecedented democratic regression” and called on people to mobilise to defend their rights.

Police fired tear gas to disperse opposition supporters in Dakar, in the first clashes after Sall’s announcement, the AFP news agency reported.

Men and women who were waving Senegalese flags or wearing the jersey of the national football team had converged at a roundabout on one of the capital’s main roads.

Reporting from the outskirts of Dakar, Al Jazeera’s Nicolas Haque said all 19 opposition candidates had asked their supporters to gather in the area.

“There’s a sense that the security forces do not want any gathering. But for the members of the opposition, until the decree [cancelling the elections] is published … then [it] is not in place,” Haque said.

“Some of the opposition figures that I spoke to said it’s a ploy for him to cling onto power, others describe it as a constitutional coup.

“A motorcyclist … shouted: ‘We’re going to burn everything down’. From every protester that we spoke to, they feel angry at that decision; they feel robbed of their ability to express themselves in this election cancelled by Sall.”

The signal of Walf TV, a private television channel, was suspended for “incitement to violence” over its coverage of the street protests, an official in the communications ministry told AFP.

Further protests are planned outside parliament on Monday. Lawmakers are expected to debate a bill on Monday that would schedule the postponed election for August 25 and extend Sall’s mandate until his successor takes over, the Reuters news agency reported.

‘Inclusive and credible elections’

France, the former colonial power in the country, called for a vote “as soon as possible”, saying that Senegal should end “uncertainty”.

“The European Union … calls on all actors to work … for the staging of a transparent, inclusive and credible election as soon as possible,” EU spokesperson Nabila Massrali said in a statement on Sunday.

Senegal has traditionally been seen as a rare example of democratic stability in West Africa, which has been hit by a series of coups in recent years including in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

The US Department of State noted Senegal’s “strong tradition of democracy and peaceful transitions of power” and urged “all participants in [the] electoral process to engage peacefully to swiftly set a new date and the conditions for a timely, free and fair election”.

Senegalese politicians must “prioritise dialogue and collaboration for transparent, inclusive and credible elections”, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc said in a statement that called on authorities to “expedite the various processes to set a new date for the elections”.

Opponents suspect that the president’s camp fear the defeat of his anointed successor, Prime Minister Amadou Ba.

Senegal cannot “indulge in a fresh crisis” after deadly political violence in March 2021 and June 2023, Sall said on Saturday as he announced a “national dialogue” to organise “a free, transparent and inclusive election”.

The country’s electoral code states that at least 80 days must pass between the announcement of a new presidential vote and polling day – theoretically putting the soonest possible new date in late April at the earliest.

Sall’s presidential term is supposed to end on April 2.

Analysts say the crisis is putting one of Africa’s most stable democracies to the test at a time when the region is struggling with the recent surge in coups.

Senegal has been embroiled in political tensions as a result of deadly clashes involving opposition supporters and the disqualification of two opposition leaders ahead of the crucial vote. (Al Jazeera)

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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has called on the President to hold the Presidential and General elections on the same day.

Addressing the media on Wednesday (Nov 29), Gampaha District MP Harshana Rajakaruna said the SJB was prepared to amend the existing laws in this regard.

“Both elections are important for the nation. Conducting both elections on the same day will be convenient for the public as well,” he said. 

MP Rajakaruna requested the President to hold the Presidential and General elections on the same day, stating that it would also be cost-effective than conducting elections on two separate days. (NewsWire)

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The year 2024 will be the year of elections as three elections will be held, Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP) Ruwan Wijewardene said. 

Wijewardene said that the Presidential Elections, General Elections, and Provincial Council Elections will be held next year.

He further stated that several parties have held discussions to form an alliance with the UNP for the victory of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

“Members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) have already reached agreements with the UNP. They are prepared to join us and contest in the next election,” Wijewardene revealed.

The UNP Deputy Leader also pointed out that the President’s attention has been drawn to the fact that despite a drop in inflation, the price of goods remains high.

It is essential to introduce some programme to control the price of goods, he added. 

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene made the remarks to the media yesterday (30) after participating in the UNP’s Dompe Constituency Committee meeting. (NewsWire)

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has issued an interim order preventing the holding of Local Government elections for the Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabha.

The order was issued after taking up for consideration a petition filed by the New Lanka Freedom Party challenging the rejection of its nomination submitted for the Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabha.

The court has prevented the holding of Local Government polls for the Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabha until a verdict is issued on the petition. 

The case has been fixed for 12th May 2023. 

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court also granted leave to proceed with the Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions filed challenging the postponement of the Local Government polls.

The petitions were filed by the Centre For Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) and the Centre for Policy Alternatives Sri Lanka.

The Supreme Court granted leave to proceed with the petitions on alleged violation of Articles 10, 12(1) and 14(1)a of the constitution. (NewsWire)

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has issued an interim order preventing the Finance Ministry’s Secretary and the Attorney General from withholding the funds allocated for election purposes under the 2023 budget.

The order was issued after the petition filed by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara was taken up for consideration today (03).

The petition was taken up for consideration before the Supreme Court three-judge bench comprising Preethi Padman Soorasena, Janak de Silva, and Priyantha Fernando.

The SJB General Secretary had filed the petition requesting the Supreme Court to rule that the respondents, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, have violated the fundamental rights of the people by not releasing funds to the Election Commission for the Local Government polls. (NewsWire) 

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US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez has condemned the postponement of local government elections in Sri Lanka. 

In a Twitter message, Bob Menendez stated that any effort to take away the voice of the people of Sri Lanka is undeniably undemocratic and a direct violation of Sri Lankans’ rights.

He further urged the Government of Sri Lanka to hold free and fair local elections without further delays.

Menendez made the remarks by sharing a report by Bloomberg on the postponement of Local Government polls in Sri Lanka. 

The National Election Commission of Sri Lanka on 24th February officially announced that the Local Government polls cannot be held as scheduled on March 09.

The Election Commission further said that a new date for the election will be notified on March 03. 

The National Election Commission had made the announcement on the postponement citing a lack of funds to conduct the Local government polls. (NewsWire)

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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has filed a Fundamental Rights Petition at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka against the Finance Ministry Secretary and other officials over the Local Government elections.

The Fundamental Rights petition was filed by SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara today. 

The SJB has requested the court to issue an order that the Finance Secretary and others officials are violating the people’s fundamental rights by not allocating funds for the Local Government polls. (NewsWire)

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today observed that there is no necessity to issue an order to hold the Local Government election.

The Court made the observation, pointing out that this was due to the National Election Commission having already given the undertaking to hold the polls in terms of the laws of the country. 

The observation was made by the Supreme Court after taking up for consideration the petitions that were filed pertaining to the Local Government polls.

The National Election Commission had earlier announced that the Local Government Elections are being scheduled for the 09th of March 2023. 

Commenting on the court’s observation, Samagi Jana Balawegaya senior MP Lakshman Kiriella told the media that the court had instructed the National Election Commission to hold the elections as per the laws of the country. 

“If the Supreme Court instructs to hold the elections, no other excuses can be made. If anyone claims there are no funds to hold the election, it will be considered contempt of court,” he added.

MP Kiriella further said that the SJB has been prepared for a long period of time for the Local Government elections. (NewsWire)

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The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has decided to remove nearly 200 members who had submitted nominations to contest under other political parties or alliances for the upcoming local government elections.

SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said that certain SLPP members who had been elected to local bodies via the SLPP in the last election are now preparing to contest under other political alliances for the upcoming polls.

He said that letters are being issued to the nearly 200 members of the SLPP who have decided to contest under other political alliances for the upcoming local government elections.

Sagara Kariyawasam further said that prompt measures will be taken to remove those party members and replace them with new members.

The SLPP General Secretary made the remarks while addressing a gathering of the party’s Badulla District contestants for the upcoming election, which was held in Badulla yesterday (07). (NewsWire)

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