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JVP
opposed to electoral changes
The main recommendation by the Committee is the mixed system paving the way to ensure more equitable representation in Parliament and avoiding the back-stabbing and costly politics associated with the current PR system. Although the Select Committee is represented by the JVP, the party refused to sign the interim report as it opposed the recommendations. JVP Parliamentarian Nandana Gunathilake, a member on the Select Committee told The Sunday Times that the JVP was of the view that the present electoral system should be changed as it contained a lot of flaws. 'We feel that the present system can be corrected, but this does not mean that the country should adopt a mixed system. We are totally against this recommendation simply because the Committee has no right to propose such a sweeping change by just taking the views of about 300 people. Even these views differed and of course everyone felt that the system should be changed" he said. The JVP has decided that that the party will remain in the Select Committee but won't give its consent to the final report. The party has also opposed another recommendation pertaining to the recognition of political parties. On a recommendation made by the Elections Commissioner the Select Committee had proposed that legal provisions should be made for a two stage procedure. Firstly, a party is registered, assigned a symbol and permitted to nominate candidates. Thereafter, recognition to be granted on the basis of voter acceptance. "We disagree with this recommendation as a person has to be given the freedom to form any party, this is his basic right. No one can put down conditions" said Mr. Gunathilake. Meanwhile Select Committee Chairman Dinesh Gunawardena told The Sunday Times that the JVP did not express its disapproval to the Select Committee regarding the mixed system. |
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