Voters need one year to study new electoral system – Polls Chief

Mahinda Deshapriya

Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya informed party leaders yesterday it was not consistent with democracy to introduce a new electoral system and then conduct an election under it immediately afterwards.

Commissioner Deshapriya had said so during a meeting on reforming the electoral system held at Parliament complex yesterday attended by party leaders, parliament sources told ‘The Island’.

The Commissioner pointed out that the people needed at least one year to get used to a new electoral system.

However, he said he and his staff would implement the new system if Parliament passed new laws to that effect.

The Elections Commissioner is scheduled to present today another report to the same committee on the new electoral system and issues that might arise in its implementation.

Yesterday’s meeting was attended by leaders and representatives of political parties represented in Parliament including Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

(The Island)