Holding elections is a key to restoring normalcy, order and democracy in the East after the Government liberated the area from the Tamil Tigers.
Local Government Elections
Residents in the eastern city of Batticaloa and surrounding cities in district of Batticaloa voted for the first time in more than a decade on 10th March 2008. Nine political parties and 22 Independent groups had fielded 831 candidates to fill 101 posts in eight local government bodies and the Batticaloa town municipal council.
According to election monitoring groups, no election-related incidents had been reported during the polls day. The government had deployed about 6,000 police and military personnel to provide security to the voters and prevent any incidents.
Voters waiting in line at local government polls in Batticaloa.
Ballot boxes transported to counting centers after local government polls in Batticaloa.
Provincial Council Elections
Provincial Council elections in the East are to be held on 10th May 2008 following local polls last month. There is a tremendous upbeat and response from the political parties and residents in the East, and 1,342 candidates are contesting 37 seats. The upcoming elections are aimed at establishing a civilian administration with devolution of power to mainly Tamil and Muslims areas.
