The Election Commission has announced that postal voters must present a recognised form of identification when casting their ballots for the local government elections scheduled for May 6.

Accepted identification documents include the National Identity Card, a valid driver's license, a passport, or a temporary identity card issued by the Election Commission.

Additionally, a confirmation of information letter issued by the Department for Registration of Persons in lieu of the National Identity Card will also be accepted.

Postal voting commences on Thursday (24), and will continue on April 25, 28, and 29.

Election Commission Chairman R. M. A. L. Rathnayake stated that postal ballot papers have been issued for 339 local authorities.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission convened yesterday to discuss the arrangements for the upcoming local government elections.

Representatives from political parties and independent groups contesting the election participated in the discussion.

Meanwhile, a group of United National Party candidates organised a protest in Maharagama yesterday against the President's statement concerning the allocation of funds to local authorities.

The President had suggested that funds would be allocated more easily for local government bodies controlled by the ruling party, but others would face heavy scrutiny.

However, he later clarified that he meant funds would not be allocated for local bodies to be misused and looted.