B'caloa nominations to be finalised on Jan. 26

By Dhaneshi Yatawara

Nominations for the local polls in the Batticaloa district are currently being accepted and they will be finalised on January 26.

According to security sources the police have strengthened security in the area. Once the candidates' list is finalised, each candidate will be provided with two police officers for their security. Disturbing situations in the area are now under control, informed sources said. The police have set up checkpoints and increased the number of policemen. The police will meet all the candidates once the list is finalised.

A meeting was held yesterday between the community leaders and the police to resolve any conflict in the area.

Steps to overcome any conflicts were also discussed. Krishnananda Lingam will function as the Deputy Elections Commissioner.

Meanwhile, twenty foreign election observers will be appointed for the elections from the 'Non Violence Peace Force' through the PAFFREL. The Non Violence Peace Force has 48 members in Sri Lanka comprising members from Japan, Canada and Switzerland.

Displaced voters in the nine Local Authorities in the Batticaloa District, where elections are scheduled to be held, can apply to vote at another polling station in the area where they are now resident either in refugee camps or in private dwellings, Commissioner of Elections, Dayananda Dissanayake said.

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