Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms, Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC, has announced a forthcoming special discussion on Wednesday, the 18th, with political party leaders. The aim is to collaboratively consider the establishment of a mixed electoral system and solicit their valuable opinions on proposed reforms.
Minister Rajapakshe disclosed that he has already submitted a request to the Cabinet to replace the existing proportional representation system with a mixed electoral model. Under this proposed system, 160 constituencies would be identified for the election of Members of Parliament using the first-past-the-post system. Simultaneously, the remaining 65 MPs would be elected through a proportional representation system at the national, provincial, or district level.
Notably, a final decision on this transformation is still pending, and the bill associated with it is yet to be formulated and officially published. Engaging party leaders and social activists in constructive discussions is the crucial next step.
Minister Rajapakshe underlined the commencement of these discussions and revealed that a parliamentary session will convene on Wednesday, chaired by the Prime Minister, to address this matter.
