[A MILITARY COUP IS A REAL POSSIBILITY. ITS THE DUTY OF THE UNITED LEFT TO APPEAL TO THE SINHALA/TAMIL/MUSLIM OPPRESSED TO UNITE AND GET READY TO CONFRONT A NAKED DICTATORSHIP - VR] A REPORT RELEASED IN BRUSSELS BY THE INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP (ICG) ON SRI LANKA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SAYS THE FOLLOWING, AMONG OTHER THINGS: [T]he sudden emergence of a viable joint opposition increases the chances of severe election-related violence and other malpractices. The Rajapaksas are almost certain to deploy the full resources of the state – money, vehicles, state-owned radio, TV and newspapers, civil servants and the police – in support of Mahinda’s re-election, and are widely expected to do whatever is needed to try to maintain their power. The tighter the race, the more violent it will be... [T]he risk of serious election-related violence merits close international attention and active efforts to prevent political instability, including the possibility of extra-constitutional means by Rajapaksa to retain power.....With the northern and eastern provinces still under tight military control, security forces could, as in last year’s provincial election, be used to restrict campaigning by opposition parties and intimidate Tamil and Muslim voters to reduce turnout. Restrictions on travel by foreigners to the northern province, re-imposed in September 2014, will make it harder for media, diplomats and international organisations or aid workers to monitor and report on any violations......Should Sirisena win the vote, the president and his brothers could find other means to retain power, including resorting to the politically compliant Supreme Court to invalidate the result, or using the military as a last resort....
Posted on: Wed, 10 Dec 2014 10:11:14 +0000
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