Sri Lanka Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake called on the political parties of the 13 presidential candidates to review steps that should be taken to ensure a free and fair poll on Nov. 17, Daily News reported Saturday.

Dissanayake has emphasized the need to conduct a violence and malpractice free election in all parts of the country and the importance of educating party supporters in this regard.

The commissioner told Police Election Secretariat DIG Gamini Navaratne that the police should take all possible steps to prevent any outbreaks of violence before, during and after the election.

However, should violent incidents disrupt polling at any center, Nov. 19 has been reserved as a re-poll date, he said.

He also stressed the importance of adhering to publicity guidelines by saying that posters and cutouts must not be displayed in public places, though they can be permitted at rally venues.

Source: Xinhua