Hakeem doubtful of just, fair elections in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Saturday, 02 February 2008, 21:25 GMT]
Rauf Hakeem, leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and parliamentarian, addressing the party candidates contesting in the forthcoming local government elections in Batticaloa Friday afternoon in Daru Salaam Hall in Ea’raavoor, raised doubts whether fairness and justice will prevail during the elections, political sources in Batticaloa said.

Threats of the government backed paramilitary operatives portend danger to those defying to support the Sri Lanka Government candidates, Hakeem pointed out, and added, "in the backdrop of violence the elections will not be fair and just."

“In Vaazhaichcheanai, the henchmen of a cabinet minister of Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) are assaulting SLMC candidates and threatening their lives hurling hand grenades, Hakeem added.

“SLMC Leadership will not be cowed down by such acts of violence and instead will face the elections by facing the opponents in the field. SLMC is the only anti-government party that is fielding candidates in the elections. Even ignoring the security threats we face, we will continue our election propaganda activities,’’ SLMC leader said.

A number of SLMC candidates as well as M.T.Hassan Ali, the general secretary of the party attended the meeting.

71 candidates of SLMC are contesting in four local councils including Batticaloa urban council, Manmunaipattu Pradeshiya Sabha, Koralaipattu Pradeshiya Sabha and Ea’raavoor Pradeshiya Sabha.