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Polls monitors reconsider decision on east
By Shelani Perera
Due to the tense situation in the Eastern Province with dissension among LTTE ranks local polls monitors are reconsidering their decision to send observers to the regions, The Sunday Times learns. PAFFREL and CMEV along with the other observers monitoring election violence are currently studying the ground situation prior to taking a decision to send polls observers to the east.

The recent killings and the alleged split in the LTTE have caused concern among the monitors, who were to deploy around 20,000 monitors to polling booths throughout the island. PAFFREL Executive Director Kingsley Rodrigo said in the current situation it is unlikely that the polls would be free and fair.

"If the polls are held we can monitor, but on the other hand, we feel that there will not be a free and fair poll. If so what is the purpose in monitoring? We have to justify all this", he said. He added that they are yet to decide on polls monitoring in the uncleared areas.

"We have not decided as yet, specially after the latest developments. I don't know whether we will be able to mobilise local observers. Originally, we had planned to deploy two people for each booth but now I don't think we can do this. Probably we will have to resort to mobile monitoring', Mr. Rodrigo said.

CMEV Director Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu told The Sunday Times that the monitors would discuss the current developments before taking a decision. "We are still watching the situation. As for holding of polls in the uncleared areas the decision should be taken by the Commissioner himself. We hope to send international monitors as well. One factor we will be looking at is the location, depending on that we will decide" Dr. Saravanamuttu said.

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