CMEV reports violence, possible misuse of state resources in east

[TamilNet, Saturday, 10 May 2008, 02:21 GMT]
Center for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV), a civil society organization that reports on election violence, reported twelve complaints of major election violations in a report issued Friday. Incidents of "[m]isuse of State resources, distribution of state benefits, intimidation of party workers and other civilians" were also reported to CMEV, the report said. The CMEV urged the Election Commissioner "to take the speedy action necessary to ensure that such a violation of democratic rights does not take place."

In Ampaa'rai district, the explosion that killed 12 people, assault and intimidation of UNP polling agent, and other officials, and the continued presence of posters belonging to the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) against election regulations were reported by the CMEV.

CMEV reported five incidents of arson, a clash between UPFA supporters of Minister Ameer Ali and UNP supporters in Oddamavadi in Batticaloa district.

CMEV said a number of CTB buses were seen parked in front of the TMVP office in Batticaloa town, and there were no viable explanations for their presence. The CMEV state resources were likely being misued at the location.

CMEV also expressed concerned over reports that mobile telecommunication access to and from the east will be suspended from Saturday, the polling day. This would amount to "arbitrary restriction on the access and right to information of all citizens and of citizens in the east, in particular, on the day of their provincial polls," the CMEV said.

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