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in the Colony, so possession of a rice ration card was accepted as qualification to vote. This arrangement was recognized as fair in every district in which an election was held. As a preliminary to the voting, an election committee selected by local organisations, such as the Agricultural Guilds, Traders' Associations, Sports Clubs, etc., was held responsible for drawing up the list of suggested candidates, and for explain- ing the method of election to the simple country people. The election committee was, in some cases, presided over by the District Officer, but often was left to run the election on its own. In order to help them decide which persons were eligible as candidates, it was agreed beforehand that candi- dates had to be local men, with local occupation, over 20 years old, and of good character. The District Officer reserved the right to veto any candidate whom he considered unsuitable, but in no case did this prove necessary.
Elections have so far been held in 21 rural districts and there still remain 17 districts for which elections have been planned. When the election of elders is complete it is intended that all those elected shall themselves elect a Senior Advisory Council from among their number.
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