Party leaders convened to discuss electoral law reforms

Monday, 16 October 2023 02:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Leaders of political parties representing Parliament have been summoned for a meeting led by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to discuss two cabinet proposals relating to electoral reforms.

Accordingly, the meeting will be held on Wednesday at 3.00 p.m. in Parliament as informed by Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake.

The communication sent to party leaders mentioned that the two cabinet papers pertain to the introduction of a mixed-member proportional representation system and the establishment of laws to formalise the deposit of surety deposits at elections.

The meeting's objective was also highlighted in the communication, which was to collate the proposals presented by the party leaders and create a report, in accordance with the Cabinet's request, to be submitted for consideration.

However, the main opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has already expressed strong opposition to any electoral reforms at this time, alleging that the Government is trying to postpone the scheduled polls for 2024. They have expressed their intention to oppose this initiative within the Parliament.