Heavy voter turnout in LG and PC polls

by L. S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

Voting in the Uva province was brisk while the voter turnout in the Nothern Province saw a very enthusiastic turnout with both the young and the old lining polling stations to cast their votes. For the Nothern voter, it was a notable departure of feeling free to come to the open after three decades.

Voter turnout in Moneragala and Badulla Districts for the Uva PC polls was 60 percent. The voter turnout in Vavuniya was more than 50 percent while in Jaffna it was 25 percent.

Polling in the Uva Province PC Polls and Jaffna, Vavuniya LG polls commenced from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, counting of postal votes in Badulla and Monaragala Kachcheries commenced at 4.15 p.m., according to the respective Government Agents.

The counting proper also commenced before 7 p.m. yesterday.

Police spokesman S.S.P. Ranjith Gunasekera said that the election was peaceful and no major incidents were reported. The police had provided security to all polling stations and counting centres in addition to mobile units. The armed forces also assisted in manning check points, he said.

Nearly 875,456 voters were eligible to cast their votes at 814 polling stations established in 20 electorates of Uva Province.

Some 32 members will be elected to Uva Provincial Council. In the Jaffna and Vavuniya LG polls 125,043 registered voters were eligible to cast their votes.

The Jaffna Municipal Council and Vavuniya Urban Council will elect 34 representatives.