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Polls Open in Sri Lanka for Presidential Vote


Polling stations have opened for presidential elections in Sri Lanka, where thousands of troops are guarding against violence.

Key issues in the presidential ballot are how to resolve a 20-year war with Tamil Tiger separatists, and the need to revive the economy battered by war and last year's tsunami.

One of the main candidates is Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, who has vowed to take a tough line with separatists and tighten a truce agreement. Also running is opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, who brokered the 2002 cease-fire that halted civil war and is seen as more conciliatory to the Tamil Tigers.

Local reports say the outcome may be decided by votes from the minority Tamil population votes, especially in Tiger-dominated northern and eastern areas.

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