EDF, independents file nominations for Batticaloa elections

[TamilNet, Monday, 21 January 2008, 22:21 GMT]
As of Monday 4:00 p.m. four independent groups and one registered political party, Eelam Democratic Front (EDF), have filed nominations for the forthcoming local Government elections to be held in Batticaloa district, sources in Batticaloa said.

According to information released by the Batticaloa elections office, EDF and an independent group has submitted their nominations for Koralaipattu (Vazhaichcheanai ) and Koralaipattu North (Vaaharai).

Two independent groups have filed nominations one each in Eravoorpattu and Manmunaipattu

T.Krishnananthalingam, the Assistant commissioner of Elections for Batticaloa district announced last week that nominations for the elections will be accepted from Friday 18, January till 25 January. The acceptance of deposits, however, is expected to end by 24 January noon.

Twelve independent groups have paid their deposits out of which four have submitted their nominations.

Elections Department sources said that the election for the nine local bodies would be held during the second week of March.

Earlier, Sri Lanka's Commissioner of Elections rejected the appeal made by the political parties to postpone the elections to nine local authorities in Batticaloa district as the current security situation on the ground is not conducive for holding polls.

However, the Commissioner said that he would hold consultation with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to strengthen the security in the Batticaloa district during election period and to provide adequate security to candidates contesting the elections.