Northern Local Government Elections in Sri Lanka | 23rd July 2011

The unexpected electoral reverse may not be of immediate political significance. But it is likely to turn the spotlight on Mr Rajapaksa’s solemn assurances of a “political solution” for the Tamils. This, of course, is a matter of some interest for India as well.

The TNA’s Northern success, running against the ruling coalition in an area with a heavy military ‘footprint’ means one thing above all else:  Sri Lanka remains a functioning, competitive, multiparty democracy.

The local government elections of 23 July in so far as the North and East of Lanka are concerned bear far greater significance than the functions of the councils and sabhas warrant.

It clearly establishes that the Government has not won the goodwill of the people of the North notwithstanding its massive development undertakings-possibly the benefits are not percolating to the people. It shows that the grievances of the Tamil people have not being understood by the Government.

It was an election of little if any practical importance, but huge symbolic value. Twenty local administrative bodies in Sri Lanka's war-ravaged north went to polls over the weekend to elect members.

Access is also key in terms of voter participation. Observers and civil society groups pointed out that for voters who are living in remote areas, transportation will be a key factor. The issue was raised at a meeting held at the Kilinochchi.

Just hours prior to the vote, masked men with weapons did systematic sweeps of houses in the Karachchi, in Kilinochchi area, gathering polling cards – and in some cases identity documents – from voters.

“They came in the morning, dressed in black with masks on their faces, and forced us to give in the polling cards to them,” one victim said, “I refused to give my card, and then one man threw my child who I was carrying at the time and pressed a gun against my chest”.

A senior police officer in the area said that they have instructed the civilians who were victimised to lodge complaints.

During the run up to the election several political parties – mainly the ruling party – was accused of distributing goods in an attempt to woo voters. Water pumps, sewing machines, verti and sarees were among the goods that were lavishly distributed among the people.

This statement on the results of the recently concluded local government elections (covered in detail by Groundviews here) was issued originally in Tamil by  Tamil National Alliance MP  Suresh Premachandran. Download PDF here. Only brief excerpts in English have been picked up by domestic and international media.

in a set-back for Sri Lanka's ruling party, the Tamil National Alliance has won a landslide victory in local elections, capturing 20 out of 25 seats it contested in areas formerly held by rebels of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.