|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 3 March 2002 |
 |
|
 |
Politics | Today's Top Story |  |
| News Business Features
|
Local govt. polls violence escalates by JAYAMPATHY JAYASINGHE The number of election related violence from the day of the nominations for the forthcoming local government polls scheduled for this month, is on the increase, according to reports received by the Police Election Secretariat. The majority of such incidents have been reported from Anuradhapura and Ratnapura. The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) (Elections), Gamini Navaratna, said that although it was called a mini-poll, in terms of the voter strength it was much more than the December general election as it involves several municipal councils, urban councils and pradeshiya sabhas. He said that Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) in charge of all police divisions have been ordered not to permit any processions during the election campaign period. The police strength to be deployed at the polls will be the same as during the last general elections, around 40,000 policemen, he said. Around 12.4 million persons are expected to vote at the polls to elect members for 18 municipal councils, 36 urban councils and 257 pradeshiya sabhas in the country. Altogether 26,326 candidates will contest for the 311 local government bodies including those in the North and East and 4394 members will be elected to these bodies. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Police Election Secretariat said that 122 polls related incidents have been reported at various police stations up to last Thursday. The number of complaints made by the respective political parties: The People's Alliance 37, United National Party 58, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna 22, Independent Groups 2 and other political parties 3. The nature of those complaints were shooting, arson, robbery, mischief, housebreaking and theft, intimidation with firearms, abuse, threats and causing grievous as well as simple hurt. An amendment to the Local Authorities Election Ordinance (Chapter 262) has already been passed in Parliament empowering the Elections Commissioner to conduct the polls in the North and East on March 25. The polls in other parts of the country will be held on March 20. Meanwhile, the Elections Commissioner will meet all Government Agents to brief them on the conduct of the polls. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
