One of the country’s leading election monitoring organizations has informed Parliament that it is appropriate for Sri Lanka to have a mixed electoral system that includes divisional and proportional representation.
PAFFREL has informed this to the Parliamentary Committee appointed to consider on legal reform of the electoral and electoral structure. Rohana Hettiarachchi, the Executive Director of the PAFFREL has stated that the number of electoral districts will be increased from 22 to 40, considering on geographical factors, population and other differences. He was speaking at a committee meeting held on Wednesday (July 14) that chaired by Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
The Department of Communications of the Parliament of Sri Lanka has announced that PAFFREL has stated in the Committee that it is essential to ensure the right of vote to every voter.
PAFFREL has commented on limiting candidate expenditure, holding presidential and general elections on the same day, implementing an election calendar, identifying and updating deficiencies in the electoral process and existing electoral law, preventing abuse of state power and state property, updating fines and election law, for every voter and also about ensuring the Right to Information, the laws on adequate Women’s Representation as well.
Former Chairman of Election Commission and Rohana Hettiarachchi, are on two different views
The Executive Director of PAFFREL also spoke at length on the declaration of assets and liabilities of the candidates as well as the selection of candidates from the National List, the protection of the independency of the Election Commission and the procedure for registration of political parties.
However, the former Chairman of the Election Commission Mahinda Deshapriya has stated that it is not practical to hold the Presidential and General Elections on the same day. Mahinda Deshapriya has pointed out at the committee that legislation should be enacted soon to control expenditure on election campaigns.
Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, State Minister Jeevan Thondaman, MP Anura Dissanayake, Kabir Hashim, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, M.A. Sumanthiran, Mano Ganeshan, Madura Vithanage and Sagara Kariyawasam were present at committee meeting. In addition, officials from the Election Commission and the Attorney General’s Department were also present at the occasion.
Today is the Deadline.
The Leader of the House parliament, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has stated that proposals and comments have been submitted by 10 recognized political parties to the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed on consider legal reform of the Elections and Elections Structure. The deadline for political parties to submit proposals expires on July 15, he added.
The Secretary to the Committee, the Chief of Staff and the Deputy Secretary General of the Parliament Kushani Rohanadheera stated that the Committee has received 138 suggestions and comments so far.
