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NEC responds to Ranil’s queries
View(s):Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday sought clarification from the National Elections Commission over reports that the Army had suddenly put up checkpoints in the north ahead of yesterday’s presidential election.
Mr Wickremesinghe called over at the Commission and met its Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya and members to ascertain if the reports had an impact on the voter turnout and whether voters had expressed concern over the setting up of the road blocks.
A senior NEC official said they had explained to the Prime Minister that there were no complaints from the Police or the election staff about the reports or the incidents having an impact on the turnout.
The Prime Minister was referring to reports that checkpoints were set up in Pallai and Palaly.
However, the Army in a statement yesterday denied rumours that it planned to put up additional road blocks.
Mr Wickremesinghe also sought clarification over reports about incidents of intimidation, prevention of voters coming to polling booths and other violations which might have had an impact on the turnout.
The NEC official said there had been no serious complaints of incidents that could have had an impact on the poll.