How to Vote and Minimize Foul Play in Our Presidential Election An Open Forum 18th Aug 2024

Our conclusive stance is that we should promote using the ‘1, 2, 3’ - Manape (මනාපේ) approach in the current presidential election. This approach is likely to be more democratic than using a single cross.

Additionally, it’s best to decide on the specific "1, 2, 3" choices closer to the election, perhaps about two weeks before. Based on the current counting system, voting for non-prominent candidates could result in a simple loss of votes and effort due to its deletion at counting.

Next Steps

• Group to create and circulate a video promoting the 1-2-3 voting option for the presidential election. 

• Group to maintain an independent stance and continue providing impartial analysis and criticism of candidates and policies. 

• Group to promote open debate and create space for democratic participation after the presidential election. 

• Groups should

continue monitoring the political situation and reassess their position after the presidential election results. 

• Group to prepare for potential involvement in discussions leading up to the general election. 

• Group to continue advocating for key reforms such as abolishing dictatorial presidential powers and politician perks. 

• Group to explore ways to unite disparate reform-minded groups for future elections.