In Sri Lanka, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has charged that the people's democratic rights are being violated by postponing elections in the country. <br />''<br />''<br />''Addressing the rally of protestors gathered in capital Colombo last evening, Mr. Rajapakse said the country is heading towards an autocratic form of governance rather a democratic rule and it is their responsibility to restore democracy by forming a new government. <br />''<br />''<br />''He claimed that democracy has disappeared from the country and that the government is continuing to delay elections in fear of defeat.<br />''<br />''<br />''The 12-hour protest came to an end around midnight as thousands of people marched on the streets to show their support for the former leader. <br />''<br />''<br />''Son of former President and MP Namal Rajapaksa said the protest was the first step towards bringing down the government and forcing it to hold early national elections. <br />''<br />''<br />''A government minister, however, asserted that the protest was in fear of special courts system established by government to expedite legal cases against former regime. <br />''<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The alliance led by Rajapaksa had registered victory at the local body elections held in February while the elections to provincial councils have been delayed in the country. </span><br />