The Asian Election Observers said yesterday that it had already received complaints on misuse of state media, controlling private media and the partiality of the Police with respect to the elections campaign.

Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, the leader of the 55 member panel S.Y. Quraishi said that the observers group will spread out in the 22 electoral districts from today. He also said that they can only report the incidents and could do nothing to stop any breach of election law and election violence.

Quraishi, who has also served as the Elections Commissioner in India, added that Sri Lankan Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya was confident that the election could go ahead in a free and fair manner. The Police have also assured them of a free and fair election, Quraishi added, saying that the observers will have to take their word.

However, Quraishi pointed out that the military could be used to influence the vote especially in the north by preventing people from voting.