Rajapakse wins re-election securing nearly 58 per cent of the votes polled; Fonseka alleges irregularities; India to open a consulate in Jaffna
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  • Incumbent President Mahinda Rajapakse secured a landslide victory in the presidential polls securing nearly 58 per cent of the votes polled. The elections witnessed a turnout of more than 70 per cent.1 Opposition candidate former army chief Sarath Fonseka urged the Election Commission to annul the elections due to alleged irregularities. Fonseka’s camp pointed out that lack of transportation facilities in North inhibited many internally displaced people from exercising their franchise.2 Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama meanwhile stated that the decision of the Election Commission to allow Gen. Fonseka to contest was objectionable despite doubts about his being a registered voter.3 Mr. Rajapakse on his part promised to rebuild the lives of people in the North and East of the country.4

    In other developments, India will open a consulate in Jaffna to promote interaction with the Tamil population and assist the Sri Lankan authorities in the reconstruction and rehabilitation process.5

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