PAFFREL raises Alarm over proposed electoral amendments, warns of Election delays
While voicing concerns about the Cabinet’s decision to amend the current electoral system for parliamentary elections, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has raised alarm over potential delays in the election process.
According to PAFFREL, the proposed amendments endorsed by the Cabinet suggest direct election of 160 Members of Parliament from constituencies, with the remaining 65 seats allocated through a proportional voting system at either the national or provincial level.
PAFFREL’s Executive Director, Rohana Hettiarachchi, highlighted past instances where electoral system amendments in Sri Lanka led to significant delays, citing the postponement of local government and provincial council elections for two years.
Hettiarachchi emphasized the importance of the delimitation process in any electoral system changes, noting instances where delays in this process resulted in election postponements.
PAFFREL cautioned that without political parties reaching a consensus on the delimitation process, the proposed amendments could potentially disrupt the electoral timeline.
Failure to address this issue promptly, PAFFREL warned, may hinder the scheduled electoral process.
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Over 120,000 tourists arrive in Sri Lanka in first 20 days of November 2024 November 25, 2024
- IMF backs Sri Lanka’s plan to boost revenue with vehicle imports November 25, 2024
- Bus collision in Watawala injures four amid adverse weather November 25, 2024
- Senior Professor Rathnayake appointed to restore order at University of Ruhuna November 24, 2024
- Sri Lankan fishing vessel seized with massive drug haul in Maldives November 24, 2024