Fake ballot papers distorting the symbols of some candidates have been distributed by some groups around the country to confuse voters.

These ballot papers have been distributed yesterday in the North and East, Central and Wayamba Provinces, our provincial correspondents said.

A truck bearing number 8264 which was carrying material slandering a candidate, model ballot papers and a stock of alcohol was apprehended by the Kurunegala Police yesterday evening. Police apprehended the truck near Dias Junction in Kurunegala.

“These ballot papers can be used to mislead voters in rural areas.” said Keerthi Tennakoon, spokesman for the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections.

When contacted, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (Elections) Gamini Navaratne said yesterday that several groups had distributed these ballot papers to disrupt the smooth functioning of a free and fair election --- and appealed to the public to be aware of such actions.
He further added that all police stations islandwide have been alerted of the situation and measures such as vehicle-checking and road blocks will be in operation during these days to prevent these malpractices. “Our intelligence units have also been alerted to be on the lookout for these forged papers.”

Speaking further Navaratne added that the four persons who were arrested while transporting the fake ballot papers would be prosecuted under Presidential elections act No: 15 of 1981. Meanwhile, around 68,800 police personnel will be deployed on Election Day for election duty. The police will be supported by the the armed forces.