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Sri Lanka Daily News
January 30,
2003
Summary:
A parliamentary committee
is formed in Sri Lanka to look at
possibilities for electoral system reform. Sri Lanka currently uses party
list full representation (proportional representation). The committee will deliberate whether
to retain the party list system, to return to plurality, or to
introduce a mixed system.
http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/01/30/new01.html
PM initiates dialogue with party leaders:
Sub-Committee for Electoral Reforms
by Manjula Fernando
and Rajmi Manatunga
January 30, 2003 Prime
Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will appoint a committee chaired by
Power and Energy Minister Karu Jayasuriya to define the role of the
proposed Parliamentary Sub-Committee on electoral reforms shortly.
At the weekly Cabinet press briefing yesterday, Prof.G.L.Peiris
said electoral reforms are a timely need and the majority of people
expect a change in the electoral system. "The Prime Minister has
already initiated a dialogue with leaders of all the political
parties represented in Parliament and several issues have already
been identified with regard to electoral reforms," he said. This
committee which will consist of eight ministers including
Prof.G.L.Peiris is expected to draft the recommendations on the
terms of reference for the Parliament Sub Committee which will be
appointed by the government in the near future to explore the
possibilities of reforming the current electoral system. The
Parliament Sub Committee which will be represented by all government
and opposition parties is required to make recommendations on a most
suitable electoral system for the country. They will deliberate
whether to retain the current system of proportional representation
or bring in the former first past the post system or introduce a
combination of the two. In addition it will be expected to define
the minimum qualifications of Members of Parliament as well as the
number of Members in the Parliament. A mechanism for candidates who
have been obtained a good number of votes but who have unsuccessful
in particular constituencies to sit in Parliament is also to be
considered. Among the other issues to be taken in to deliberation
are bi-elections, the question of reserved constituencies,
multi-member constituencies and cut off points. "Whether a second
chamber such as the senate we had in the Parliament until the late
1950's, should be brought into the system and the matters relating
to the National Identity card in order to minimise election abuses
will also be taken into consideration." Proceedings with regard to
the delimitation commission is also among the priority areas to be
discussed in the proposed Parliament sub-committee. |
