Fate of delimitation report for PCs in P’ment’s hands

Confident of getting Parliamentary approval for the delimitation report on Provincial Councils, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Faiszer Musthapha yesterday (14 March) dubbed the new electoral system a resounding success, despite having to double the number of members in Local Government bodies. 

Likening himself to a “mere messenger” Musthapha claimed that he has no control over the delimitation report any more, as it has been handed over to Parliament for approval, but sought to assure that the elections of three Provincial Councils for which elections are overdue will be held soon. 

“The new Amendment to the law has made me just a messenger, I am only required to accept the report from the delimitation committee and then hand it over to Parliament. Now they will have to discuss the matter and approve it,” Musthapha said. 

The report is to be taken up for debate on 21 March, he said. If the report is not approved with 2/3 majority, a special committee appointed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will be tasked with devising the way forward, as per provisions in the Amendment. 

The committee took just three months to prepare the report, unlike the delimitation committee for Local Government (LG) elections. However the Minister said that, as they were on a tight timeframe, the committee was not able to consult political parties. 

Musthapha also hailed the mixed electoral system, followed in the Local Government Elections for the first time, adding that the method has been able to eliminate election violence. 

“There were no deaths during this election. This is one of the greatest achievements from the new system. The system will also be implemented in the Provincial Council elections as well,” he said. 

In Provincial Council elections, the mixed electoral system consisting of the proportional representation system and the first-past-the-post system will be implemented on a 50:50 basis.  

The proportionate system and the mandatory 25% women’s representation in the LG bodies have resulted in doubling the number of members elected to the Councils, giving rise to a number of logistical problems. One of the main issues faced by the LG bodies is in seating: with almost all councils doubling in number, they have been forced to either look for alternative locations to hold meetings or have some members stand during proceedings. 

However the Minister dismissed the issue and made light of the situation, saying that the space will not be a persistent issue. The Government has not given provisions to increase seating capacity for the Council, the Minister said, insisting that the only inaugural session will have full attendance in any Local Government body. 

“Let them stand. They came to serve the people, they can do that sitting or standing. It doesn’t make a difference. Look at how the British Parliament functions, some members stand,” he claimed.