lntroduction The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka recognizes the right of every citizen to vote, to freely engage in political activities and the right to free and fair elections enshrined in the (1978) Constitution of Sri Lanka and recognizes by other relevant legislative enactments passed by the Parliament of Sri Lanka. A free and fair election is considered a peoples' right. To ensure protection of this right the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has further come to learn the necessity of a set of General Recommendations on Election and Guidelinesin order to prevent violations of election laws that could take place when conducting a free and fair election. This set of guidelines has been formulated in all three languages. lt is intended that these General Recommendations on Election and Guidelines provide State Officials engaging in election duties directions so as to prevent violations of election laws. *i ln order to ensure democratic society and promote a better human rights culture in the country the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka wishes to issue these General Recommendations on Election and Guidelines in the hope that it will immensely benefit the State Officials engaging in the election process. ilr