The United National Party (UNP) said yesterday it was committed to the enactment of the 20th Amendment as soon as possible but that the next general elections would most likely be held under the current electoral system because of practical issues that might arise in implementing a new system.

“We are keen to enact the 20A and we are optimistic about reaching an agreement within the next ten days with all parties on the proposed electoral reforms. However, the next general elections will most likely be held under the present system because of practical issues which are bound to crop up when implementing a new system,” Minister and UNP General Secretary Kabir Hashim told a news conference.

He said it was vitally important to hold a general election so that the people could elect a government of their choice and work out the modalities involved in changing the electoral system.  

Mr. Hashim said they had requested Party Leader and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to raise this matter of holding a general election soon when he attends the National Executive Council meeting.  

“We believe that general elections should be held without further delay. Once the election is held, we can implement the new electoral system and hold the next election under it,” he said.  

Meanwhile, commenting on the UNP’s May Day rally, Mr. Hashim said it was one of the most successful rallies in the history of the people and had proved that the majority of people were with the UNP.

He said the number of participants at the UNP rally had exceeded the number of participants who took part in the other May Day rallies organised by other political parties and trade unions.

“We are being labelled as a minority government in Parliament, but it has been proved that the majority of the people are with us. That is the UNP’s people power with which we were able to elect two ordinary citizens -- Ranasinghe Premadasa and Maithripala Sirisena as Presidents of Sri Lanka,” he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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