Over 50% of registered voters cast their votes at today's peaceful elections in the East. Many enthusiastic voters from former LTTE controlled areas were seen flocking to polling booths in Paduwaankarai (Tamil meaning- from where the sun goes down) and Eluwaankarai (from where the sun rises).
After 14 years, voters from Karadiyanaru, Vakarai, Verugal, Omadiyamadu, Kokadicholai (Tharavai-Vadamunai) etc were allowed to vote for candidates of their liking. Some have lived for over a year as refugees. They expect the newly elected democratic Tamil leaders will deliver peace and prosperity to them.
Many of the voters were women who were enthusiastic about the possibility of electing their own leaders through a democratic process. Election monitors have called the Eastern Polls a 'Fair Election', but 'not a free election'. A total of 831 candidates contested the elections. Among the leading parties that contested the elections were 22 Independent Groups.
No serious cases of election violence or violations were reported today. According to sources at counting stations, the Karuna-Pillayan group is leading the election. The group is supporting the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA).
Meanwhile a bomb hidden inside a bag and placed on a concrete flower bed near a cinema hall in Wellawatte exploded killing a civilian and injuring several others today when a suspicious civilian started poking it. The bomb had contained C4 Plastic explosives. A 6 storey building was also damaged. The windows in the 1st floor of the building were completely damaged.
Election Updates- Batticaloa
Image: Administrative map of BatticaloaTMVP and UPFA showing signs of landslide victory in the Provincial Council Elections '08.
UPFA wins Batticaloa Town (1.30am)
United People's Freedom Alliance 14,158 votes. 11 elected members.
SLMC 1788 votes. 1 elected members.
EPDP 627 votes. 1 elected members.
Total Votes Cast 26,331. Total Rejected Votes 2822.
TMVP wins Poraitivupattu (1.50am)
Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulihal 7089 votes. 7 members.
Independent Group 2, 3051 votes. 2 members.
Total votes cast. 10,140. Total Rejected 2660. Total polled votes 12,800.
TMVP wins Manmunai South and Eruvilpattu (2.05am)
TMVP 10, 047 votes. 7 members.
Total votes cast 16,048. Total registered voters 38, 386.
TMVP wins Manmunai South-West (2.20am)
TMVP 6,371- 8 members
Total votes cast 7,860. Total rejected 1,852. Total registered 9,712.
TMVP wins Manmunaipattu (2.40am)
TMVP 9373 votes. 7 members.
SLMC 2816 votes. 2 members.
Total votes cast 13,158. Total rejected 856. Total registered 18,759.
