Sri Lanka votes in local polls

Observers say the polls will test public opinion on peace process

Polling has taken place in local government elections in Sri Lanka which observers say will test public opinion on the fragile peace process.

The Tamil Tiger rebels and the government met in Geneva last month and agreed to abide by the 2002 ceasefire.

Voting was postponed in most of Tamil-dominated north and east of the country because of security concerns.

The election campaign was married by sporadic violence, which continues to threaten the peace process.

More than 10 million people were eligible to vote in 226 local councils in the election, according to reports.

Turn-out was lower than usual at about 55% by the time polls closed at 1600 local time (1000 GMT), election officials said.

Results are expected on Friday.

Resistance

The BBC's John Sudworth in Colombo says the poll will test the popularity of President Mahinda Rajapakse's Sinhala nationalist allies, who could have a bearing on the fragile peace process.

The JVP, or People's Liberation Front, contested the local elections separately, although it is part of the national governing coalition.

The party, along with the JHU, another smaller party of Buddhist monks, has consistently opposed making concessions to the Tamil Tiger rebels.

The JVP has also called for Norway to be removed as mediator in the peace negotiations.

Polls have been postponed in the Tamil-dominated north

"Whether or not people vote on the peace process, it [the election] will certainly have an impact on it," Colombo-based analyst Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu told Reuters news agency.

Tension has risen in Sri Lanka's north and east in recent months, with a series of attacks on military personnel and Tamils. More than 120 people have died.

Truce monitors warned recently against destabilising acts ahead of more peace talks scheduled in Geneva next month.

More than 60,000 people died during two decades of conflict in Sri Lanka.

The Tamil Tigers want autonomy for minority Tamils in the north and east.

President Mahinda Rajapakse has said the solution to the conflict lies in a unitary state.