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PSC proposes mixed electoral system for general election; more youth, women representation
View(s):By Sandun Jayawardana
The Parliament Select Committee (PSC) on Electoral Reforms has proposed a mixed system for Parliamentary elections while retaining the current number of 225 MPs and the National List.
The Committee recommends the mixed system could have 70 percent of MPs elected from wards with 30 percent elected under the proportional representation (PR) system; or it could be 65 percent wards to 35 percent PR; or 60 percent wards to 40 percent PR.
Necessary legislation with the relevant constitutional amendments should be brought in to implement this proposal, states the final report tabled in Parliament on Wednesday (22) by PSC Chairman Dinesh Gunawardena.
Some PSC members, though, were of the view that any change in the Parliamentary election system would severely affect representation of the minorities, according to the report.
Delimitation has to be conducted in the first-past-the-post (FPP) constituencies for the districts. The Committee recommends introducing multi-member constituencies to ensure multi-ethnic representation in specific constituencies/districts.
The PSC has recommended holding the Provincial Council (PC) election under the PR system that existed prior to the enactment of Provincial Councils Elections (Amendment) Act No. 17 of 2017. It calls for suitable legislation to enable the PC election to be conducted under the PR system initially, until legislation is drafted for a mixed electoral system.
All PSC members agreed to reduce the number of elected members in local councils. Regarding women’s representation, the Committee recommends continuing the mandatory provision for a minimum 25 percent quota for local councils in terms of the existing act.
It recommends necessary legislation to make it mandatory to allocate a 20 percent quota for women in the nomination list for wards, enabling them to establish themselves in politics through the election process. This provision should be made mandatory in all elections.
The Committee also recommends that legislation make it compulsory for every third candidate nominated by a party from the national list in the Parliamentary election be a woman candidate.
Legislation should also be brought in to make it mandatory to allocate a 25 percent quota for youth representation in local council and Provincial Council elections, the report notes. The youth should comprise both men and women below 35 years of age.
The PSC also calls for laws to control election expenses and compel political parties/independent groups/candidates to adhere to a code of conduct during an election period and treat violations of this code as an election offence.
Legislation must also be formulated to prevent the dissemination of false information, misinterpretation of information and election propaganda activities carried out through social media in violation of election laws, the report adds.
Among other legislative changes recommended by the PSC is to strengthen the Election Commission (EC) to ensure that private mewdia too complies with media guidelines issued by the Commission.
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