Pandemonium reigns in east despite govt. denial
The Nation
May 10 21:48 GMT
The Provincial Council elections in the east, which commenced sharp on time at 7.00 am yesterday, was marred with intimidation and thuggery. All fingers were pointed at government ministers who, according to eye witnesses and independent poll watchers, had used their clout with the intention of turning the results of the polls, their way. Reports reaching from Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Ampara strongly indicated that government ministers were responsible for inciting and encouraging violence. Their supporters, who had been brought to the east in bus loads, had been used to intimidate voters and stuff ballot boxes as the police watched the situation helplessly.