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Polls marred by violence

8 April 2010 05:19 am - 24     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Jamila Najmuddin and Sumaiya Rizwi

Several incidents of election violence have been reported islandwide since polling began this morning, including a shooting incident in Galle where several houses and a vehicle were damaged, election observers told Daily Mirror online.

PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi told Daily Mirror online that the shooting incident had been a result of inter party violence and a vehicle had also been damaged in the shooting.

Meanwhile a complaint has also been lodged against a UPFA candidate for holding an illegal rally opposite a polling booth in Badulla, a short while ago.

Hettiarachchi said that the candidate had gathered his supporters and had started a meeting in front of the booth.

In other incidents, polling agents from the UNP had been chased away from the booths at the Anamaduwa Walapanawa Vidyalaya and Madawakkulama booth in Galle Hettiarachchi said.

A polling agent of the Democratic National Allaince (DNA) was also chased away by a UPFA supporter on his way to take over duties at a polling booth in Dompe today morning.

In Gampaha, a polling agent from the JVP was chased away from assuming his duties at the polling booth.

Meanwhile, the CMEV reported incidents of discrepancies relating to the order given by the Elections Commissioner to mark the ring finger for the purpose of voting.

The CMEV said that despite the Elections Chief clearly stating that the ring finger should be marked after casting votes, several polling agents had marked the index finger of the voters. 

Meanwhile illegal propaganda text messages have been circulated from candidates today in violation to the Election laws, Advisor to the Elections Commissioner Bandula Kulathunga said.

“These candidates send these illegal text messages without fear because they have the powerful backing of certain people,” Kulathunga said. The telephone companies should know that they are engaging in an illegal activity and they will also be found guilty, he said.

“Last night the state media was telecasting a pirith ceremony and showed candidates also participating in it. This is illegal and is also a violation of the election laws,” Kulathunga added. (Daily Mirror online)

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  Comments - 24

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  • Thursday, 08 April 2010 07:21 AM

    By hook or by crook to the seat..! Goons & guns rule..! We innocent are the fools..!

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 08:47 AM

    Pathetic state of affairs. The animals in the jungles are better than the present regime.

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 08:43 AM

    These donkeys bray before they find the oasis.

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 08:19 AM

    The real definition of Democracy and Elections in this country nowadays is "an opportunity given to the jackasses to send some jackals to the Parliament" So no wonder there is low turnout!

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 08:04 AM

    Hey Gemunu, you are going way back 1977. Are you going backward? dont just justify by saying old story, this is new sri lanka right.

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 07:52 AM

    OK we got crook politicians. But @ least they're patriotic crooks hehehe

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 07:37 AM

    I received text messages from two UPFA candidates this morning.. how nice of them to remember me at least today.. I wonder where they were all this time.. Hope they didnt send me an SMS using my hard earned tax money..

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 07:35 AM

    Hey Gamunu let's find a time machine & change history

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 07:29 AM

    Why spend milions on elections? There's no law and order.
    What a country!!!!

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 07:28 AM

    Free& fair election

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 07:23 AM

    Small incidents are highlighted. As they have no any other work. When in the UNP regime, just imagine how elections are conducted. Those days these monitors ( Kabaragoyas) were no where !!!

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 07:22 AM

    This all started by UNP in 1977,now they have to eat the cake.

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 05:30 AM

    Demo-crazy at its best!

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 07:16 AM

    As usual we will see a upbeat elections commissioner making a statement that this was the most free and fair election ever!

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 07:13 AM

    wish all the best for SF

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 07:03 AM

    This is our political culture. We practice what is called the 'Law of the Jungle" . So, there is nothing to get alarmed. Keep going.

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 06:53 AM

    A country is ruled by thugs and more thugs will be elected tonight to serve our country for the next 6 years. Election Commissioner and IGP are the puppets. No use talking about it now.

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 06:50 AM

    Don't blame them. We all mad people still we believe that Democracy sill alive in Sri Lanka.

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 06:50 AM

    I think only this time he did not say that he want to resign. Something fishy isn't it ?

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 06:36 AM

    Same old story!! where is justice??

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 06:29 AM

    madness.. these people have no other job and desperate to get elected to earn a buck. Uneducated donkeys

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 06:24 AM

    Anyhow, tonight or tomorrow we can expect statement by EC claiming a clean election.

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 05:54 AM

    as usual... it will go to the deaf ears..

    Thursday, 08 April 2010 05:43 AM

    Crushable's... against... Untouchables !.


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