In terms of Article 4 (a) of the Constitution, being the supreme law of the Republic, the legislative power of the people is exercised by Parliament which consists of the elected representatives. Hence, the basic provisions with regard to the electoral system are contained in the Constitution itself.
The provisions with regard to the franchise and election are contained in Chapter XIV of the Constitution.
The franchise, or right to vote, at an election is contained in a negative formulation in the provisions of the Constitution. Accordingly, Article 88 stipulates that every person unless disqualified by the specific provisions in the Constitution, shall be qualified to be an elector or voter. However, it is further provided that the exercise of the right itself is dependent on the name of such person being entered in the appropriate register of electors. The preparation of the register of electors is contained in the Registration of Electors Act, which provides inter alia, for annual revision of each register, for publication of the register and for any objection to any person being registered.
Article 89 of the Constitution contains the following disqualifications to being registered as an elector or voter. They are:
Handbook of Parliament
The System of Elections in Sri Lanka
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