4.3.2008
Chairman
of the People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFEREL),
Kingsley Rodrigo said that holding elections in Batticaloa
was a part of the democratic process and that there were
no strong reasons to put off elections in Batticaloa.
Addressing the media yesterday (3), Rodrigo also mentioned
that there had been worse situations under which elections
had been held. He cautioned however that instances of
violence and political clashes could not be ruled out.
However, Rodrigo said that he would seek an interview
with President Mahinda Rajapaksa to seek his support for
a free and fair election and to reduce to the minimum
the movements of those with fire arms and the misusing
of state property.
Refuting certain fears raised by the Leader of the Opposition
and others, Rodrigo stated that elections would give the
people the opportunity to elect their own representatives
which had been denied to them for a long time.
Six political parties and twenty two Independent Groups
are contesting this year's local government elections
scheduled for March 10.
Courtesy
- Government Information