News
Northern candidates pitch tents on social media turf
View(s):By S. Rubatheesan
The election mood is yet to improve in the North as most candidates are campaigning online, particularly on social media.
Several candidates across party lines are using Facebook, Viber, WhatsApp and websites.
For first-time candidates like Varatharajah Partheepan, canvassing with limited financial resources is challenging since he is depending on his relatives and friends to assist.
He is contesting under the ticket of Tamil Makkal Kootani (TMK) led by former chief minister C.V. Wigneswaran.
The former councillor of Jaffna Municipal Council told the Sunday Times that his team has prepared a small booklet explaining the projects and initiatives they have implemented in the past.
“Since we do not have much funds for a good campaign, we have to rely on pocket meetings and canvassing on social media sites,” Mr Partheepan said.
In the Jaffna electoral district which includes the Kilinochchi District, 396 candidates from 23 political parties and 23 independent groups are contesting for six seats.
In the Vanni electoral district consisting of Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu, 423 candidates from 22 political parties and 25 independent groups are also contesting for six seats.
Leading Tamil party Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) is doing grassroots pocket campaigns through its youth wings and district committees across Northern and Eastern provinces.
| Ponnambalam bailed after ‘canvassing’ arrest Leader of Tamil National Peoples’ Front (TNPF) and former Parliamentarian Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam was released on police bail on Thursday after being taken into custody by Nelliyadi police for violating election regulations. Mr Ponnambalam said that he was at a shop to meet the owner and police turned up alleging that he was canvassing. He was released on police bail and was told he may have to come to courts if needed. “The police and the government are targeting us selectively while other candidates are openly engaged in canvassing in public and online without facing any consequences,” In a separate event, another candidate of Tamil Makkal Kootani V. Partheepan was arrested and bailed in Point Pedro for violating election regulations. A statement was recorded. | |
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