* Special polling centers for detained LTTE suspects to votes at Sri Lanka elections
Sun, Mar 21, 2010, 08:45 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Mar 21, Colombo: Sri Lanka Election Department will set up special polling centers in Jaffna for over 1,500 LTTE suspects, who are being held in rehabilitation camps in Jaffna, to exercise their franchise at the next month's parliamentary election.

According to an Election Department spokesperson, the authorities have taken the decision to set up special polling centers for the detained LTTE cadres following a written request from them to the Election Commissioner asking for necessary facilities to exercise their right to vote at the upcoming parliamentary elections.

"The Elections Commissioner has already discussed what needs to be done with the officials in Jaffna. We have made arrangements to provide them with transportation to reach the polling booths as well," the spokesman was quoted.

The detainees have requested the Election Commissioner to provide transport facilities to the poling centers since thousands of displaced civilians at the welfare camps were unable to vote at the presidential election in January due to lack of transport facilities.

"We have not deprived them of their right to vote. They will be free to vote using the temporary identity cards provided to them to vote at the Presidential election," the spokesman said.