311 poll violence reported

[TamilNet, Monday, 05 November 2001, 16:54 GMT]
Three-hundred-eleven incidents of violence relating to parliamentary election have been reported to the Police Election Secretariat since the nominations were filed on 27 October. Seven people have been killed during this period, and a minimum of ten complaints are received daily, Police Election Secretariat said Monday.

According to the police, the main opposition United National Party (UNP) has lodged 150 complaints, the ruling People's Alliance 110, while the Marxist Janata Vimukthi Peramuna has made 11 complaints.

Other political parties and independent groups have made 30 complaints, the police said.

Last week, Gampaha Magistrate remanded a powerful ruling party politician and a deputy minister in the PA government, Mr.Reggie Ranatunge till November 15, in connection with the killing of a UNP supporter.

Two independent local election monitoring groups, PAFFREL and CMEV have predicted a violent poll.

About 4600 candidates are contesting the forthcoming general elections scheduled to be held on 5 December, to elect Sri Lanka's 12th parliament.