Cabinet approves increase of deposits for Presidential, Parliamentary and PC polls

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to increase the deposits placed by candidates for the Presidential election. The deposit of a candidate representing a recognised political party has been increased to Rs. 2.6 million and an independent party to Rs. 3.1 million.

Minister of Justice Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has presented the proposal to instruct the legal draftsman to draft a bill related to the matter.

Accordingly, the deposit money limits will be amended as follows;

(a) The deposit of a candidate from a recognized political party will be increased to Rs. 2.6 million and an independent candidate to Rs. 3.1 million, according to the Presidential Elections Act No. 15 of 1981.

(b) The deposit of a candidate from a recognized political party will be increased to Rs. 11,000 and a candidate from an independent group to Rs. 16,000, according to the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981.

( c ) The deposit of a candidate from a recognized political party will be increased Rs. 6,000 and a candidate from an independent group to Rs. 11,000, according to the Provincial Councils Elections Act No. 2 of 1988.