Parliament to be dissolved on 20th?

Wednesday, 13 May 2015 01:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Speculation was rife within political circles that Parliament is likely to be dissolved next Wednesday 20 May, putting electoral reforms through the 20th Amendment on the backburner. Others hinted dissolution by Friday.

Several political leaders when contacted declined to deny or confirm these reports since the political status quo remains contentious. The dissolution move, which has been on the cards for weeks, is understandable with the political tug-of-war over the thorny electoral reforms.

Independent political analysts believe the 20th Amendment requires greater public discourse before reaching finality. Previously the Government said electoral reforms will be tabled in Parliament on 19 May whilst the Cabinet which meets today will also discuss the issue.

On Monday, President Maithripala Sirisena chaired an urgent all-party meeting and requested for proposals on electoral reforms by today. Some parties have already submitted theirs whilst minority parties which maintain that the 20th Amendment is unfavourable to their interests have vehemently objected to following.

The UNP yesterday said it was ready for polls with or without the 20th Amendment whilst the SLFP and JHU insist reforms must come first.

After much debate, constitutional reforms through the 19th Amendment were passed though their legality still remains at large. Electoral reforms were also promised in Sirisena's presidential election manifesto within 100 days.