The National Election Commission has proposed a technical framework aimed at increasing the representation of women and youth at Provincial Council Elections while retaining the existing Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system.
The proposal was presented to the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to study and recommend an electoral system for future Provincial Council Elections.
The Committee, chaired by Minister Vijitha Herath, reviewed the Election Commission’s report during a meeting held in Parliament. Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, and members of the Caucus also participated in the discussions.
According to the report, the proposed framework seeks to improve opportunities for women and youth candidates without altering the current method used to calculate election results under the PR system.
Committee members also examined the legal and practical implications of introducing measures to ensure greater representation for women and youth. According to a statement issued by the Department of Communication of Parliament, further discussions on the proposals are expected at a future meeting.
Meanwhile, the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus unanimously proposed that women's representation in both Provincial Council and Local Government Elections be increased to a minimum of 33 percent. The Caucus urged that this target be considered when finalizing the proposed electoral reforms.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Ministers Arun Hemachandra and Sunil Watagala, MPs R. M. Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Mano Ganesan, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Dharmapriya Wijesinghe, Samanmali Gunasinghe and Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi.
Election Commission Chairman R. M. A. L. Ratnayake and other members of the Commission were also present.
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