Sri Lanka is holding the first local elections in two northern towns since the government crushed Tamil Tiger rebels in May after 25 years of civil war.

The last time elections were held in Jaffna and Vavuniya was eleven years ago. The ballot is seen as an indicator of the popularity of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The election, hailed by some as a step towards democracy,has also been criticised. Opposition members say they are being hindered by the government and allege that independent journalists are not being allowed into the area.