Colombo, November 16 (newsin.asia): Within three hours of the opening of polling booths in the Sri Lankan Presidential election on Saturday, 25% of the voters had cast their ballots, election officers said.
Polling began at 7 am and by 10 am local time, a quarter of the electorate had votes, they added.
According to officials on ground, most districts in the island had recorded at least a 20 to 25 percent polling.
The Center for Monitoring Election Violence said that till 10 am, there were a total 69 incidents of election violations reported across the country. A majority of the violations were illegal campaigning and voter intimidation.
The Elections Commission said voting will end at 5 pm and urged political parties to ensure a free and fair poll.
35 candidates are running for the Presidency and the winner is expected to be announced by Monday.
