The 55-member panel of international election observers has commenced their observations since this morning covering all the 22 multi-member electoral districts across the island in a bid to check out the final situations ahead of Presidential election.
The panel is scheduled to visit Northern Province for an inspection tour today as well, where they would hold a discussion with Government Agent of the Vavuniya district Bandula Harischandra.
The panel members will also be present at polling booths on Thursday (8) during a nine-hour period when some 15 million people are eligible to vote.
“The police have assured us that they will guarantee that the election is free and fair,” monitoring team leader S. Y. Quraishi told a foreign media. “At the moment, we have to take their word.” The international monitors have been invited by election chief Mahinda Deshapriya, who told them he was confident of conducting a fair election.
Meanwhile, Ada Derana reporter said that at least two persons were wounded following a clash between the supporters of political groups in Kopay, this morning. No arrests have been made in conection with the incident so far, the police said.
