Here’s the solution to the 20A dilemma

Monday, 22 June 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

According to the latest Cabinet decision, it is stated that while proceedings on the already gazetted 20A will take its course, the most pressing general election will be held under the existing district-wise, Proportionate Representation (PR) system.

It looks a pipe dream for people to wait till 2020 for ‘Yahapalanaya’ to happen in Parliament. However, with the recent changes in the political culture, arising from ‘Yahapalanaya’, we see a light at the end of the tunnel. That is, people now despise seeing undesirable elements entering the Parliament through the much repulsive Preferential Voting (PV) scheme.

Many don’t know that this scheme is not mandatory but merely an ‘option’ for the voter. Therefore, the elections can be held under the existing system without the PV scheme in operation which anyway is the first step in the implementation of 20A. Thus, to meet people’s aspirations, we propose that the following measures be taken before the forthcoming elections.

Abolish the ‘Preferential Voting’ scheme through a simple amendment which will no doubt muster a unanimous vote in the Parliament. It doesn’t undermine 20A. The overwhelming benefits arising from this measure need not be repeated. Request contesting parties to submit their district nomination lists as done hitherto but with the names being arranged in ‘merit order’ instead of in ‘alphabetical order’.

It is pertinent to mention that PAFFREL has already put in place a mechanism through the ‘March 12 Declaration’ to persuade all political parties to nominate only well screened, socially acceptable candidates who satisfy a set of ethical criteria through a well-structured, transparent Interview method. In our view, this is the most crucial hurdle to clear in the creation of ‘Yahapalanaya’ or good governance in Parliament. Therefore, it is imperative that this ‘persuasion’ measure be converted to a virtual ‘compulsion’ measure by the civil society.

Towards this end, we urge PAFFREL and other similar organisations to join hands with the mass and the social media and work assiduously to ensure ‘Yahapalanaya’ in the new Parliament. Thereafter, people can rest assured that in the future all decisions in the Parliament including the 20A will be taken by a team of honest, professional parliamentarians, solely towards developing the country and its people.

Finally, In order to sustain ‘Yahapalanaya’ principles, apply PR arithmetic to the already specified number of cabinet portfolios so that all parties such as JVP, Muslim Congress, Hela Urumaya and Democratic Front, if contesting independently, could become partners in the highest decision-making body in the country.

Bernard Fernando,

Retired Deputy General Manager, Bank of Ceylon