2013-09-21
An election monitor attached to Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) been assaulted by supporters of the EPDP in Shanthipuram, Kilinochchi a short while ago today (September 21.) CaFFE observer Gunarasa were assaulted by EPDP supporters who were distributing food among voters. Gunarasa, 43, was admitted to the Kilinochchi Hospital.
 Earlier Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) received a complaint that Kilinochchi voters are being transported in vehicles in Walappadu, Veravil Poonakari. When CaFFE observers arrived they saw around 20-25 persons and observed EPDP supporters, with a group that can be suspected as military personnel, were distributing biscuits and soft drinks among those gathered. A fishermen’s cooperative by EPDP was carrying this out using vehicle no WP HC 6131.
They have told us that EPDP always distributed biscuits and soft drinks to voters in each election. At this point Kilinochchi MP Chandrakumaran has spoken with one of our observers over the phone. He has asked our monitor whether CaFFE is supporting the TNA. The MP spoke to our monitor on 0777 811 218.
CaFFE informed the Commissioner of Elections about the activities of the EPDP and we copied our complaint to the MP. It was at this point that the EPDP supporters assaulted our observers. CaFFE team was lead by one of our officers in Galle, she is one of the most senior election monitors in the country. The others in the team, also well experienced, are residents of Kilinochchi. After the attack the EPDP MP wrote to CaFFE alleging that we support the TNA.
CaFFE is dismayed by the attacks on independent election monitors, first in Jaffna and now in Kilinochchi, as the attacks on these impartial observers is an indication of the deteriorated state of Sri Lanka's representative democracy.
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Voters of Northern Provincial Council as confirmed the victory of Tamil National Alliance in the Northern Province.