PHU proposes 50 percent representation in national list for women

The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) proposed the importance of giving women 50% representation from the national list and 25% representation from the candidate list in the forthcoming elections at the Select Committee (PSC) of Parliament to Identify Appropriate Reforms of the Election Laws and the Electoral System and to Recommend Necessary Amendments.

The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya presented the aforesaid proposals during the Select Committee of Parliament to Identify Appropriate Reforms of the Election Laws and the Electoral System and to Recommend Necessary Amendments held under the chairmanship of Leader of the House, Hon. Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Monday, according to a statement from the Committee.

Speaking further on behalf of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Hon. Minister Udaya Gammanpila said that the ban on posters should be maintained during the campaign. Furthermore, a limit should be imposed on the amount of money spent by candidates during elections, the amount of money spent within a period of three months after the elections should be made public along with statements of the origin of cash donations during elections, he added. He also commented on the number of times a President should be elected and points to note regarding taking into consideration the delimiting of electorates.

In addition, delegates representing the Samajavadi Janatha Peramuna and the National Movement for a Just Society also presented their views and proposals to this Select Committee.

The Samajavadi Janatha Peramuna stated that in the forthcoming elections 60% of the representatives should be elected by the first past the post system and 40% by the proportional system. They were also of the view that attention should be paid to the minority parties.

The National Movement for a Just Society also presented its proposals on four principles. They also pointed out the importance of appointing 60% under the first past the post system and 40% under the proportional system.

In addition, the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal Party also submitted its views and proposals to this Select Committee.

Hon. Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Hon. Members of Parliament Mano Ganeshan, Sagara Kariyawasam, Madhura Withanage as well as the Secretary to the Select Committee, Deputy Secretary General & Chief of Staff of Parliament Ms. Kushani Rohanadheera were present at this meeting.