LTTE neutral in Presidential poll

The LTTE has decided not to put its weight behind any candidate in the Presidential Elections, but would permit canvasing in the Wanni.

"We have decided to be neutral... We will not support any party," The LTTE spokesman, Daya Master told the Sunday Observer.

"We will let people make their choice," he said. He said the LTTE could not recommend to Tamil people to vote for any main contenders, given the "history of broken promises".

The LTTE would permit canvasing in LTTE held areas, he said, however adding that candidates would be required to obtain prior permission. He said though the LTTE would not back any candidate, it was firm that the people's right to exercise universal franchise should not be curtailed under any grounds.

"There were previous incidents where Tamil people were prevented from voting," he said referring to the closure of entry-exit points to Vanni in the Parliamentary polls in 2001, disenfranching an estimated 80,000 voters.

The Supreme Court later ruled it a violation of fundamental rights. He said the LTTE proxy Tamil National Alliance would also not support any candidate.