Expert panel proposes key changes to electoral system

By Skandha Gunasekara

Among the main changes proposed for the existing electoral system during yesterday’s stakeholder discussion on the same was to have a minimum cut-off mark of 2.5%, with overhangs done away with to establish a fixed number of MPs for electorates.

The change was initially suggested by Sri Jayawardenapura University Applied Sciences Faculty Dean Professor Sudantha Liyanage while taking part in yesterday’s discussion.

Professor Liyanage recommended that a different cut-off point be implemented for different elections, such as 2.5% for Local Government Elections, 5% for Provincial Council elections, and 10% for Parliamentary elections.

“Or if possible, a natural cut off point for all elections,” he said, adding that overhangs should not be entertained in any way, so that a fixed number of MPs are elected.

In addition, Professor Liyanage also pointed out that the winning party should be given leeway to appoint MPs for the Proportional Representation portion. 

“The winning Party should be allowed to appoint MPs from the Proportional Representation section. This percentage has to be 10%. The current system predominantly does not permit the winning party to nominate MPs through their list,” Professor Liyanage said.

He further pointed out that if these changes could be made, the current electoral system could be continued. “If the authorities in concern implement these changes, the existing electoral system can remain for the betterment of Sri Lankan people. The Proportional Representation electoral system exists only with the Executive Presidency, and if we abolish the Executive Presidency, we will have to go back to the First-Past-the-Post system, or the Mixed-Member system, with a very small portion of Proportional Representation.”

Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya, who was also a panellist yesterday, agreed with the notions put forward by Professor Liyanage.