30 December, 2009 - Published 15:15 GMT

Choice between 'dictatorship and democracy'

The Sri Lanka president says that the voting public will have to choose between the dictatorship and the democracy at the forthcoming elections.

Addressing a gathering at the president's house in Anuradhapura, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the 26 January polls are "very crucial" for Sri Lanka.

"This is an election in which it will be decided whether we will protect democracy or pave the way for a dictatorship," he said.

'Answerable to the public'

Without directly mentioning his main rival, Gen Sarath Fonseka, the president said those joined hand against him are not answerable to any political party or a group.

"This is very serious," President Rajapaksa said.

"I am answerable to the voting public though a political party and alliance. Not only the voting public, I am answerable to everybody in Sri Lanka."

President Rajapaksa called a snap election in an attempt to get a mandate for a second term.

His former military commander, Gen Fonseka, is the main opposition candidate who is entering politics as a novice.

Both are trying to exploit the military victory over Tamil Tigers.

20 other candidates are also contesting to become the next head of state of Sri Lanka.