People To Fix One Cross – EC To Decide FPP & PR Fusion
Varatharaja Perumal
A Proposal Thought for New Electoral System
Due to the dissatisfactions owing to the misrepresentation of the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system existed before 1978 and the bad experiences and distressing consequences of Proportional Representative (PR) electoral system, which gradually eroded the foundation of the democracy in Sri Lanka, a realization is now dominantly prevailing in the country that the elections should be held based on a combination the FPP and the PR systems. However, hitherto, there is no consensus among the political leaders on this yet.
Since the UNP received very less representation in the Parliament election of 1970 when compared to the proportion of votes it received throughout the country, it preferred the PR system through 1978 Constitution. The SLFP feels that as per the electoral results during the last two decades, it has the advantage if the FPP system is reintroduced and for the safe side, they demand immediate introduction of mixed electoral system. TNA particularly the Ilankaith Tamil Arasuk Kadchi (ITAK) is sure that if FPP system is reintroduced they will become virtually the only representative of the Tamils in the North-East. The SLMC, ACMC and Mr. Athaulla party, because of their inner (Muslims) community political rivalry and divisions, are in confusion as to supporting any particular system. The Ceylon Workers Congress is maintaining silence from voicing for any system because the Up-Country Tamils are not living in concentration in particular constituencies for FPP, and the Sinhala major parties are able to divide and rule them in PR. The parties that have comparatively smaller and sporadic support bases prefer to the PR system so that they will be able to muster the votes at least to secure one or two seats. Concerning the people and caring the democracy are secondary to the politicians looking forward their vested interests.Read More