Eastern postal vote marred by violence

The two-day postal voting for the Batticaloa district concluded on Friday. More than 95% of the 934 persons who are eligible to vote are reported to have cast their votes.

Postal voting was held in seventy-two polling stations in nine local authorities in the district. A hartal in Kathankudy which paralysed the city forced the holding of votes at the offices of the Divisional Secretary, Pradeshiya Sabha, Police School and Teacher Training School on the first day. Although the voter turnout was less on the first day, the balance votes were cast on Friday.

Two major incidents of election related violence took place immediately prior to postal voting day. In the first incident which occurred on February 19 at Eravur, an armed group arrived at the home of a Muslim Congress candidate and warned him that he should withdraw from the election.

On February 20, an explosive device was thrown at the home of an independent candidate, causing damage to the house. According to the high-ranking officials of the District Secretariat, arrangements have been made to provide adequate security to hold the forthcoming election.