|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Wednesday, 31 December 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Politics | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
| PSC ready to submit interim report by the News Desk The Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reforms chaired by opposition Parliamentarian Dinesh Gunawardena has expressed its readiness to submit an interim report of its deliberations should the need arises. This follows reports that the Provincial Council elections is to be postponed until the Committee's full report is out to give effect to the final recommendations. "We can make recommendations that are available by way of an interim report to Parliament, Select Committee Chairman and PA MP Dinesh Gunawardena told the Daily News. He said it is the Government's responsibility to present the recommendations to Parliament by way of legislation. Gunawardena's comments comes in the wake of certain newspaper reports that the Provincial Council elections is to be postponed until the Select Committee submits its recommendations. The Select Committee has heard views of the public and various other organisations on electoral reforms. "We are in the process of completing the hearing of political parties," Gunawarndena added. The committee had already heard submissions from the SLFP, MEP, LSSP, CP, SLMC, Liberal Party, Left Front and DJVP. "We are expecting the inputs from the UNP, JVP, SLMC, TULF and UCPF before January 14. They have agreed to make their submissions during this period," Gunawardena said. The committee has heard representations from the public including individuals and organisations such as the Centre for Policy Alternative and Peoples Action for Free and Fair Elections. The committee will commence deliberations by January 2. It will cover all aspects of conducting Parliament, Provincial Councils and Local Government elections. The Parliamentary Select Committee on Election Reforms have been discussing a proposal to have all provincial council polls on the same day, which will be cost effective and avoid the result of one provincial council poll impacting the result of another. "This proposal to have elections on the same day has been discussed in the on-going sittings and certain decisions have been reached in this regard, "Gunawardena said. He said the proposal was also backed by the Election Commissioner. However the Government on Monday was firm that the elections should be held during the stipulated period according to the law. "The Government would not support any move to postpone the Provincial Council elections for any reason," the Government Media spokesman said in a media statement. Gunawardena, however declined to comment on the Government's statement. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Election Commissioner's Department said they were making initial arrangements to hold the forthcoming Provincial Council elections. "We have not yet commenced election related activities but other basic work have begun," he added. North-West (Wayamba) Provincial Council is to be the first provincial council election with its term ends on February 9. The Commissioner of Elections is to call nominations by February 16. The official term of both the Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces will end in April while the term of Western and North Central Provinces will end on May 6. The term of Southern Provincial Council will end early July. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
