Polling begins in east

(May 10, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka Guardian) Voting began in 1270 polling stations in three districts, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampaara, of eastern province Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m. to elect 37 members to provincial council. This included two more members allocated for the party or independent group that polls highest number of votes. 1342 candidates from 35 political parties, and 56 independent groups are in the fray. The population of the province is 1,419,602 and 982,721 of them are eligible voters. ( Image from AFP: A woman casts her vote in Trincomalee on this morning)

The main contest is between the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) and the main opposition United National Party (UNP) which is contesting in alliance with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC).

Ampaara district comprises four electorates- Ampaara, Pottuvil, Sammanthura and Kalmuna- with a population of 592,997. The voting strength is 409,308. Voting began in 430 polling centres. 561 candidates from 11 political parties and 22 independent groups are contesting.

The number of seats allocated for Ampaara district in the EPC is 14.

Batticaloa district comprises three electorates, Batticaloa, Kalkuda and Paddiruppu, with a population of 486,447. Of them 330,950 are eligible voters. Voting began in 314 polling stations and 378 candidates from 12 political parties and 15 independent groups are contesting to win 11 seats.

Trincomalee district comprises three electorates, Trincomalee, Moothoor and Seruvila, with a population 340,158. The voting strength is 242,463. Voting began in 278 polling stations to elect 10 members from 403 candidates contesting on behalf of 12 political parties and 19 independent groups.
- Sri Lanka Guardian