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Electoral reforms: Cabinet fails to reach agreement

28 May 2015 07:57 am - 14     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Despite last ditch attempts Cabinet, last night, failed once again to reach consensus on the proposed electoral reforms, informed sources said yesterday.

However, the leaders of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), at a separate meeting with President Maitripala Sirisena pledged their cooperation to enact the proposed new electoral system.

Cabinet took the matter up for discussion yesterday . It is learnt that Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem, in particular, was opposed to the proposal to elect 160 MPs from single member constituencies, five from multi-member constituencies, 31 according to the Proportional Representation System and 59 from the National List.

There were heated arguments between him and Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka. Minister Palani Digambaram also joined in the verbal battle.

Finally, Cabinet gave the power to President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to decide on the announcement of the new system in a gazette notification subject to agreement by the constituent parties of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA).

The President presented a summary of the report on electoral reforms compiled by the Cabinet subcommittee. He said he would ask the UPFA leaders whether they wanted to move ahead with the no confidence motion or enact the electoral reforms as the 20th Amendment.

Accordingly, he met the UPFA leaders soon after the Cabinet meeting. It is learnt that the UPFA leaders were in favour of the criteria proposed by the President. (Kelum Bandara)

 

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  Comments - 14

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  • Amila Thursday, 28 May 2015 01:38 PM

    Oppose this draft, because people no need 255 member parliament instead of 225. propose a less than 200 member parliament. Otherwise people needs to pay their bills.

    Nihal Gunatilake Thursday, 28 May 2015 02:20 PM

    HI- 150 members -elected or nominated or otherwise more than enough. We have Grama Niladharis in our area, Municipal Councillors, Urban Councillors , Pradeshiya Sabha, Palath Sabhas members - All are except GS are using Prados, Defenders Bullet Proof Cars etc. what for - to look after us.150 is more than enough. bye Nihal Gunatilake

    Man Thursday, 28 May 2015 02:25 PM

    The current preferential system is perfect as the voters get some choice in selecting MPs as they like. Canvassing for their candidature must be banned and jailed if breached by anyone by preventing them voting a few more elections, etc. and make the laws strict to be fair by every candidate.

    Bala Thursday, 28 May 2015 02:26 PM

    This is our problem of how to be represented. We have no voice. Only politicos will feather their own nests. This should not be passed unless they restrict parliamenrt to 200 only as we have pay these parasites from our money.

    Ganesha Thursday, 28 May 2015 02:28 PM

    Even in the largest democracy with many a million population -India has 547 members of parliament why we should have 255 to eat out and enjoy out of peoples taxation and to ride house on our back who most uneducated morons

    sri lankan Thursday, 28 May 2015 02:35 PM

    59 from national list is ok as long as GL will not be on that list.

    gamaraala Thursday, 28 May 2015 02:37 PM

    Either way we are doomed with the current set of jokers in the SLFP

    Waco Thursday, 28 May 2015 02:51 PM

    Good reason to put-off the election.

    Atha ape Thursday, 28 May 2015 02:59 PM

    Yeah idiot go check the population then and population now... 225 or 255 all electorates must be represented... U Must be another armchair sloth critc who has just woken up

    Waco Thursday, 28 May 2015 03:20 PM

    Ranil must be very happy.Good reason to put-off the election.

    packeer Thursday, 28 May 2015 05:45 PM

    Total 150 MPs enough to the parliament. There are PCs and other local bodies to work closely with people.

    kanga Friday, 29 May 2015 08:50 AM

    Too many politicians.less the better.

    fus Friday, 29 May 2015 10:47 AM

    End of the day one parlimenterian in each n every house via DM Android App

    Bala Friday, 29 May 2015 11:19 AM

    Atha APE - The 225 was before Provincial Councils came. So with PCs doing the main provinces, the Centre should be not more than 150.


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