Batticaloa polls:

TMVP to release manifesto

Rafik Jalaldeen

BATTICALOA: Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), contesting an election for the first time, is due to release an election manifesto this week to inform the public of their work programme.

"We have prepared an election manifesto that will be issued this week. Through this we will inform our stance and how we will be governing the Batticaloa district," TMVP media spokesman Asath Moulana told the Daily News.

He charged that the LTTE and some Tamil political parties were attempting to create panic and disrupt the unity among the people. "The people in Batticaloa are supporting the TMVP as we are the only political party coming out of offices and going among the people. This has upset the LTTE and other parties who are trying to create panic and tension among the public," Moulana said.

Meanwhile, postal voting in the upcoming Batticaloa Local Government election has recorded a 98 per cent voter turnout amidst a relatively calm atmosphere. The local poll has paved the way for the people of Batticaloa to elect their local representatives after 14 years.

"Since the postal vote marking began, we have not faced a single act of disturbance or sabotage. The election process continues smoothly," Batticaloa Assistant Election Commissioner T. Krishnandalingam said.

He said all arrangements for the March 10 election have been completed. A majority of the polling centres will be set up in schools.