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The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) is perturbed at the ever increasing violence and intimidation in the build up to the forthcoming Parliamentary General Elections scheduled for 5th December, 2001 says a press release issued by it.

"It is a matter of deep concern that empty rhetoric and abusive words are expressed without any caution and that many responsible leaders are resorting to pronouncements that instigate and incite people to violence. It is a tragedy that this has replaced lively debate on policies and principles which are totally absent and which would no doubt crush the space for democratic engagements and the participation of the people" the release says.

It further says: "The Council is also gravely disappointed at the ever increasing communalization of politics and calls upon all parties to desist from such acts, that would put any citizen of this Country at peril and danger.

"We therefore call upon all Party Leaders, Secretaries and Organisers to immediately work towards a free and fair election and to publicly call upon their supporters to abstain from violence, intimidation and revenge.

"We appeal to the Commissioner of Elections and his staff, the Inspector General of Police and all Police Officers to fulfil their duties according to law and facilitate the conducting of a free and fair election.

"We call upon every citizen to exercise their democratic right by voting the Candidate of their choice. We urge citizens to vote early in the day and not be constrained by fear and intimidation.

"We call upon all voters to reject candidates who resort to violence and intimidation and choose candidates who are committed to a peaceful and democratic resolution of the crisis the country faces.

"We request all Clergy and responsible laity of all religions to be engaged in working for free and fair elections and to be associated with other Secular and Religious Organisations who are involved in the field of election monitoring.

"We call upon all our Churches to be engaged in united prayer interceding to God for a free and fair elections rid of all forms of violence".

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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