Special party leaders meeting over mixed electoral system

by Staff Writer 18-10-2023 | 9:23 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st); A special discussion will be held on Wednesday (18) with party leaders to create a mixed electoral system.

Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC, said their opinions will be obtained regarding the matters that have been proposed so far.

He said he presented a request to the Cabinet to introduce a mixed electoral system, instead of the proportional representation system.

The Justice Minister said this aims to identify 160 electorates and appoint 160 MPs through the first-past-the-post system.

He added that the remaining 65 should be elected at the national and provincial or district level, through the proportional representation system.

Minister Rajapakshe said a final decision has not been reached in this regard, and the relevant bill is yet to be formulated and gazetted, as it needs to be discussed with party leaders and social activists.

He said accordingly discussions have commenced and a discussion will be held in Parliament on Wednesday (18), chaired by the Prime Minister.

The Justice Minister said they hope to pass the bill by creating a fair system, with the agreement of party leaders.