Parliamentary Committee Moves to Appoint Experts to Review Electoral Reform Proposals

COLOMBO: The Parliamentary Special Committee appointed to consider electoral reforms in Sri Lanka has taken steps to appoint an expert panel to review proposals submitted to the committee and prepare a comprehensive report.

The decision was taken when the Special Committee met in Parliament under the chairmanship of Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Professor A.H.M.H. Abeyaratne.

During the meeting, members held extensive discussions on possible electoral reforms, considering recommendations contained in Parliamentary Select Committee reports issued in 2004, 2007 and 2022, as well as 31 proposals submitted by individuals and organisations.

The proposed expert panel will study the newly submitted proposals alongside the recommendations contained in previous parliamentary reports before preparing a comprehensive report for the committee.

Several key areas of electoral reform were discussed during the meeting.

These included proposals to introduce a mixed electoral system for local government elections, strengthen representation for small political parties and minority groups, and increase the representation of women in elected bodies.

The committee also considered proposals to introduce electronic voting and provide facilities for early voting as part of efforts to modernise the country’s electoral process.

Another proposal discussed was granting voting rights to Sri Lankans living overseas.

The expert panel is expected to further examine the legal and administrative requirements that would be necessary to implement an overseas voting system.

The committee’s decision to seek expert recommendations is expected to provide a broader assessment of the various proposals before further decisions are taken on the country’s electoral framework.

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