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| Sri Lanka | |
| Campaigning ends ahead of Sri Lanka election | |
| 2010-01-24 | |
Opposition activists say the Sri Lankan government is planning to use vote rigging and violence to win the presidential election, as campaigning officially ends.
Looking tired after a heavy campaign schedule, Mr Rajapakse wowed the large but somewhat regimented crowd of supporters, who cheered politely but not wildly. As always, he spoke of last year's war victory against the Tamil Tigers, and the need to fight corruption. With music and fireworks, the president's team say they're already celebrating certain victory. But General Fonseca says the ruling party is planning to use violence and vote rigging to disrupt the poll. He says the government wants to deter voters from turning out but he is urging his supporters not to retaliate. The government has denied any use of violence in the campaign and says security has been increased. Four people have died and dozens have been injured in pre-election unrest. The election is the first since the end of the civil war last year. The result is expected on Wednesday. | |
| Posted by:Steve White |