POLICE TO ARREST THOSE CONGREGATING NEAR POLLING BOOTHS

Police have been ordered to arrest people who gather in groups outside polling booths at the time of voting Police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara said assembly within a radius of 500 metres of any polling booth was strictly prohibited under Election Laws, and that any persons who assemble would be arrested.

In addition, 161 riot squads comprising 1,307 policemen will be deployed in areas that are prone to violence.

People who gather in groups may disturb those who come to vote. Police asked the public to avoid any oral propaganda or canvassing as they were illegal.

Two armed police officers will be stationed at each polling booth, and two to three polling booths will be monitored by mobile police patrol units. The patrolling units will take into custody any persons who gather near the polling booths.

Over 75, 000 policemen will be deployed for today’s elections, at the 12,390 polling stations.

2,885 mobile patrol units will be deployed on August 16 and 17 to maintain security and prevent violence and unlawful activities. Each patrol unit will consist of two policemen and two Civil Defence Force personnel. In addition, 161 riot squads comprising 1,307 policemen will be deployed in areas that are prone to violence.

More than 4,500 Police Special Task Force personnel will assist in mobile patrolling of selected areas, manning road blocks and maintaining order at counting centers.