TMVP says they are the dominant political force in the party

The TMVP, widely known as Karuna faction, has earlier decided to contest the elections for nine local bodies with the EPDP, PLOTE and EPRLF.

However, the TMVP headed by Pillaiyan has decided to prove they are the dominant political force in the east on Saturday.

TMVP spokesman, Asath Moulana, told BBC Sandeshaya that the party is decided to prove that majority of people support the TMVP in the east.

Dominant force

"And this is the first election that our party contests," he added.

Nominations for the polls will be accepted from 18 to 25 January, Deputy Election Commissioner (Batticaloa) T Kirshnanthalingam announced on Friday.

There is no conspiracy whatsoever to prevent other parties winning the elections TMVP spokesman, Asath Moulana

Elections for three local bodies, in predominant Muslim areas, were held in May 2006.

This is the first time elections for local bodies in Batticaloa to be held since 1994.

The Sri Lanka government announced capturing all LTTE-held areas in the east earlier last year.

'Widespread' violence

The EPDP ,PLOTE and EPRLF Pathmanaba wing have meanwhile decided to contest together as an independent group.

The group however says that the security situation is not conducive to conduct elections in the east.

Our aim was to join together with the TMVP to stop widespread violence including abductions, killings, robberies and taking ransom EPRLF spokesman, R Thurairatnam

EPRLF District organiser, R Thurairatnam told BBC Sinhala.com that violence committed by the militant groups in the east is serious threat to democratic elections.

"Our aim was to join together with the TMVP to stop widespread violence including abductions, killings, robberies and taking ransom," he said.

However, the group had no other option but to contest together without the TMVP after they decided to contest alone, R Thurairatnam said.

The TMVP spokesman, meanwhile denied accusations that group is involved in militant activity and threatening the democratic process in the east.

"There is no conspiracy whatsoever to prevent other parties winning the elections," Asath Moulana told BBC Sandeshaya.