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Three ‘musts’ for electoral reforms
By Shelani Perera
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reforms which finalised its interim report before Parliament was dissolved has called for the implementation of three proposals for which draft amendments have been made.

Select Committee Chairman Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told The Sunday Times that the Government is giving serious consideration to implement some of the proposals.

The three proposals under consideration for implementation are:
* Making the production of the National Identity Card compulsory at elections.
* The use of the electronic voting system and,
* The adoption of a German-style system with a blend of the first-past-the post and proportional representation. Draft amendments have been formulated for implementation of the first two proposals.

The Select Committee has pointed that once the electronic voting system is introduced the annual voter registry update will not be necessary as the data base will contain the names of the voters.

An Indian company has been assigned to carry out a demonstration of the electronic voting system. One of the main advantages of this system is its accuracy with malpractices also being curbed.

Minister Gunawardena said the first two proposals can be presented to Parliament for approval. 'As the Select Committee consisted of members from the Government and the Opposition I don't think there would be any problem in passing the amendments' he said. However draft amendments have not been formulated for the third proposal for the adoption of a German-style system.

'In consultation with the Opposition this too can be formulated as both groups have given their consent for this system to be implemented. This system can be made applicable for local government and general elections' Mr. Gunawardena said.

However if changes to the election law have to be formulated a new Select Committee will have to be appointed first, he said.

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