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by Manjula Fernando and Rajmi Manatunga

The proposed select committee on electoral reforms is to consider making the National Identity Card or an acceptable form of identification compulsory for voting.

This is among the suggestions of the eight member committee appointed to define the role of the proposed Parliament Select Committee on electoral reforms chaired by Minister Karu Jayasuriya. Their report was submitted to the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe recently.

Cabinet Spokesman Prof.G.L.Peiris said there was a "universal conviction" that the present system is not suitable for our country and electoral reforms was a timely need.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe initiated a dialogue with the leaders of all political parties represented in Parliament on the subject and their views will also be taken into consideration.

The select committee which will be represented by all government and opposition parties is required to make recommendations on a more suitable electoral system for the country. They will deliberate whether the reforms should apply to all elections including Parliamentary, Provincial Councils and Local Authorities.

In addition the committee is expected to discuss whether to retain the current system of proportional representation or bring in the former 'First Past the Post' system or introduce a combination of the two and whether 'cross voting' is to be permitted in case of a combination.

Cross voting would mean two ballot papers for each voter - one to choose the party and the other to choose the individual.

A mechanism for candidates who have obtained a good number of votes but are unsuccessful in particular constituencies to sit in Parliament as well as compelling candidates to make a deposit at the time of nomination are also to be considered.

Among the other issues to be taken in for deliberation are by-elections, the question of reserved constituencies, multi-member constituencies and cut-off points.

The composition of the House, however, is to remain the same.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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