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| Thursday, 1 January 2004 |
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Democratic proposals for electoral reforms by Professor Dayantha Wijeyesekera University of Moratuwa At various times in our political history and especially in the recent past there have been much concern, speculation and debate, on proposals such as forming a National Government, National consensus, reconciliation etc. While these are all noble concepts and intentions, under the present political climate and within the existing provisions of the Constitution or with minimal amendments having consensus at least on same, it is prudent to examine how such noble efforts could be implemented and a national spirit could be achieved even in the distant future. Not being a political scientist nor analyst, but just as a Civil Engineer and as a Citizen of Mother Lanka the following is the summary of a proposal submitted to the Select Committee of Parliament on Electoral Reforms, specially how it can be engineered to a reality in a civilised manner for the betterment of this country and its people. Constitution While major constitutional changes are most desirable for the betterment of the country, the present political climate may not be conducive for such, as self-political interests and ambitions may get priority and thus be misconstrued or misinterpreted. Therefore, while being thankful for small mercies, of at least a ray of hope of incorporating such electoral reforms as an amendment to the present Constitution, every effort should be made for such reforms which can lead to the essential desirable changes in the future to the Constitution, if the Members of the House of Representatives are truly representatives. Party politics It can be quite confidently stated that almost all Sri Lankans (except those who align themselves to a political party as the only avenue to secure a seat in Parliament or to reap other benefits by being a member of a political party such as being a loyal supporter of a politician), feel they should be represented in Parliament by capable, honest, committed and devoted individuals. True enough, in the good old days political parties had party policies, but with alliances, fronts, pacts and coalitions how effective, realistic and sustainable are such individual party policies. Members of parliament Wouldn't the concern of all patriotic Sri Lankans be that they should have a Member in Parliament who represent their electorate for its development and to whom a constituent could turn to on matters regarding the electorate irrespective of whether he voted for him or not? Furthermore, should not the Parliament also consist of those more capable of National Policy making rather than only electorate development? Election process Members of Parliament While all the constituents of an electorate should be able to elect their representative in Parliament, the entire adult Nation should have a democratic right to vote for those to be elected through the National List and this should not be the sole authority of the Party Leaders. The mechanism and details of the process while maintaining the present number of seats in Parliament as the maximum and the formula for working out multiple seat electorates are indicated in the proposal submitted to the Parliament Select Committee. Basically a voter has to vote for the individual of his choice whichever party he may belong or aligned to or to an independent candidate to represent and hopefully develop his electorate. In addition to this, each voter should have three other votes to make his choice who should be elected for the National List. These four votes (1+3) could be for candidates from the same political party or from four different political parties or independent candidates or a combination. The governing principle being that the voter has indicated his choice of candidate for his electorate and three others whom he feels should be in the National List for the main purpose of policy making. The total National List could then be compiled in the order of the number of votes received nationally. By the way, without mentioning any names, it is very apparent even in the present Parliament there are those whose forte is electorate development while others are more suitable for policy making and development. Once the composition of the Members of Parliament has been concluded, the Speaker should be elected by secret ballot with absolute majority at a sitting of Parliament convened by the Secretary General of Parliament. Prime Minister At a sitting of the Parliament chaired by the Speaker, the Prime Minister should be elected by secret ballot with absolute majority. This would enable the Prime Minister to be elected by the votes of those who belong or aligned to his party (perhaps some may not), but also by the votes of those who belong/aligned to other political parties or independent members. Cabinet Ministers The President and Prime Minister should identify the minimum number of portfolios for the Cabinet of Ministers, with Deputy Ministers for sub areas. At a sitting of the Parliament chaired by the Speaker, the Cabinet Minister for each portfolio should also be elected by secret ballot with absolute majority. This could lead to a truly National Government with consensus, having Cabinet of Ministers of different political parties and independent members being elected by the Representatives of the Nation in Parliament. While Cabinet Ministers would present Parliamentary bills and motions in the House, each Member of Parliament should be able to by secret ballot vote for or against or abstain according to his own conscience and not be dictated by the party stand point. Presidential election and responsibility The above proposals are for Electoral Reforms to elect representatives to the Parliament. It is also proposed that suitable amendments to the constitution should also be considered for the election of the President with an absolute majority of the elected representatives in the Parliament once elected as above. Further amendments to the constitution should also be considered simultaneously to make the President responsible to the Parliament. This would reduce the costs involved in conducting two National elections and also strengthen links and responsibilities between the President and Parliament being the supreme body. It is hoped that these principles suggested as a citizen of this country, could be adopted with minimal immediate amendments to the constitution by the present parliament to pave the way for a national government elected by the nation bringing about consensus and reconciliation among the decision makers of the country and thereafter leading to further long-term amendments to the constitution as decided by a parliament elected in the above manner. |
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