11.   Large crowds gathered in Kuruwita as parties filed nomination papers for local government elections that will test the popularity of the government of President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

12.   Local government elections are supposed to be held every three years but the vote has been postponed several times as the political parties considered electoral reform measures.

13.   Local government elections will be held for the first time Thursday in the northern Tamil heartland of Jaffna.

14.   Local government elections will be held Thursday for the first time in the northern Tamil heartland of Jaffna.

15.   Lusikisiki, South Africa -- President Nelson Mandela meets King Mpondombini Sigcau in a continuing effort to get traditional leaders to support local government elections.

16.   On Thursday, local government elections will be held for the first time in the northern Tamil heartland of Jaffna.

17.   Other concerns are Zimbabwe because of government election and other abuses, Indonesia for actions in regional conflicts and Colombia for military links to violence.

18.   President Kim Young-sam on Tuesday fired his unification minister in connection with a secret document seeking to postpone planned local government elections.

19.   President Nelson Mandela has postponed his planned visit to Canada next month to be home in the run up to local government elections.

20.   Prime Minister John Major said Friday he expects to lead his Conservative Party at national elections despite its dismal performance in recent local government elections.