As of 8th January 2010, CMEV has confirmed a cumulative total of 281 incidents of election related violence of which 117 incidents have been categorized as Major. Of these, 36 incidents are of Assault, 31 are of Threat and Intimidation, 18 of Grievous Hurt, 7 incidents of Hurt, 6 incidents of Attempted Murder, 11 cases of the Misuse of State Resources and 4 incidents of Robbery and Arson respectively. The total number of incidents involving the use of firearms is 38. In addition, 164 incidents have been categorized as Minor.
Out of 117 Major incidents, 85 incidents have been reported against the ruling UPFA – this being the highest number reported against any one party. Of the total figure of 281 incidents, the UNP had been accused as the perpetrator in 15 incidents and the JVP in 6. Incidents of violence are increasingly being reported from the Southern province (67), North Western province (44) and North Central province (39).
CMEV reiterates its concern about the upward trend in election related violence and calls upon all concerned, especially the Election Commissioner and his officials, the Police and political parties to take all necessary steps to deter such violence and to deal with those who are responsible for it. We call on all presidential candidates to demonstrate their commitment to eradicate political violence and malpractice.
Read the media communique in full, with more details on incidents reported, here.