PAFFREL submits its proposals for a new electoral system
PAFFREL presented its proposals on reforming the electoral system of Sri Lanka to the Parliamentary Select Committee, yesterday (14).
Prior to drafting its proposals, the PAFFREL held a series of discussions island-wide with political parties, scholars representing different fields, citizens groups and a wide range of institutions across the island; the views expressed in those discussions were taken into account in formulating the proposals.
The PAFFREL focused on a number of areas in formulating its proposals such as Electoral system, including restrictions on candidate spending, confirmation of women's representation, declaration of Assets and Liabilities, selection of candidates from the National List, registration of political parties, confirmation of the suffrage of all voters, Party switching by the people's representatives, the role of citizens, the possibility of losing the seat as well as the delimitation.
A special parliamentary select committee has been appointed to review and identify the reforms needed for the electoral and election structure and the rules and regulations adopted under the leadership of Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and propose necessary amendments in that regard.
The select committee is composed of Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister G. L. Peiris, Minister Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi, Minister Douglas Devananda, Minister Wimal Weerawansa, Minister M. U.S. M. Ali Sabri, Minister of State Jeevan Thondaman, MP Anura Dissanayake, MP Kabir Hashim, MP R. M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, MP Mano Ganeshan, MP M.A. Sumanthiran, MP Madura Vithanage and MP Sagara Kariyawasam.
The PAFFREL submitted its proposals to the Committee and the Representatives of the Committee too discussed the PAFFREL proposals at length.
Mr. Rohana Hettiarachchi, the Executive Director PAFFREL was accompanied by Board Members: Dr. Jehan Perera, Cristobal Savarimuttu, K.N Dean, and Legal Indika Jeewandara, Administrative Officer, Upekshi Fernando, Senior Program Officer and Isuru Karavita, the Legal Coordinator on the occasion of submitting the PAFFREL proposals.
This Committee has scheduled to close the acceptance of proposals today (15).
