Polls peaceful, few incidents reported

by Jayampathy Jayasinghe

Except for a few isolated incidents reported from January 6 to the conclusion of the Local Government poll on March 18 the situation by and large was quite peaceful in the country, a senior police officer told the Sunday Observer.

A spokesman for the Police Election Secretariat said political parties that contested the Local Government poll had made 176 complaints.

The following political parties made complaints regarding election violations. The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) - 76 complaints, United National Party - 38 complaints, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) - 29, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) 4, Kandurata Janatha Peramuna (KJP) 1, Illange Tamil Arushakachchi (KJP)1, Democratic People’s Front (DPF) 1, Independent Group (IND) 9, Janassetha Peramuna (JSP) 1, Nawa Samasamaja Pakshaya (NSP) 1, Independent Purawasi Front (IPF) 1, Lanka Labour Congress, 1, there were 43 other complaints.

Police officers detailed for Local Government election duty have been recalled following the conclusion of the polls, a senior police officer said.