Six EU observers to monitor polling in Trinco

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 30 March 2004, 00:22 GMT]
Six observers of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) have been posted to Trincomalee electoral district to monitor the election activities on the polling day, said EU Chief Observer Chief Observer, Mr.John Cushnahan, Monday, addressing a press briefing in the Trincomalee district secretariat.

He met with the Government Agent and Returning Officer of the Trincomalee district Mr. Gamini Rodrigo at latter’s office Monday morning. He discussed with him the ground situation in the district and the arrangements he has made to ensure free and fair poll on April 2nd. Mr. Rodrigo is reported to have briefed Mr. Cushnahan the arrangements he has made to enable the voters in the areas held by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, sources said.



( L-R ) EU Sri Lankan delegation head Mr.Wouter Wilton, EU EOM Chief Observer Mr.John Cushnahan and Trincomalee Government Agent Mr.Gamini Rodrigo discussing election arrangements with the Trincomalee map in their hands.

Fifteen clustered polling stations are to be established to voters in the LTTE held areas to exercise their franchise. Eight would be located at Mahindapura, south of Muttur for voters in LTTE held Eachchilampathu division. Seven polling stations would be located at Kattaiparichchan for voters in the LTTE held Muttur east villages.

During his visit to Trincomalee, Mr. Cushnahan held discussions with leaders of political parties, which are contesting the forthcoming general election, sources said.



( L-R ) EU EOM Long Term Observer Mr.Eduardo Salvador Acevedo, EU Sri Lnkan delegation head Mr.Wouter Wilton, EU Chief Observer Mr.Cushnahan and EU media expert Ms Giovanna Maiola at the press briefing.