Independent groups file nomination lists to contest Eastern PC elections

[TamilNet, Monday, 31 March 2008, 17:52 GMT]
Five independent groups submitted their nomination lists to contest the Eastern Provincial council election on Monday. Two groups submitted their lists to contest the Trincomalee district and three in Ampaa'rai district, according to the sources at the Sri Lankan election department. Major political parties are yet to file their nomination lists. The deadline for filing nominations falls on Thursday.

So far, 22 independent groups have paid their deposits to contest in the Elections. Of these, 10 independent groups are to contest in Trincomalee district, 5 in Batticaloa district and seven in Ampaa'rai district.

The ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has been finalizing its nomination lists in consultation with the leaders of the constituent parties.

The United National Party (UNP) has been holding discussion with the leadership of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) about forging an alliance. However the SLMC leadership said it would contest the election alone with an understanding with the UNP but not as an alliance.

SLMC sources said that it would file nomination list on April 3, the last day for filing nomination lists.