'Bill will strengthen electoral system'

Uditha KUMARASINGHE and Irangika RANGE

The Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill-second reading was passed in Parliament with amendments.

Chief Government whip Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardene speaking at the debate said of 59 recognised political parties, only 24 are in operation. This bill has mentioned on the acceptance and non acceptance of political parties.

However, the Bill has not prevented any political party contesting any election.

This Bill was moved due to lack of a formal methodology to accept or cancel a political party.

This Bill was drafted following the recommendations made by the Parliamentary Select Committee.

The Bill hopes to provide more positions to women in political parties and increase their representation in politics, he said. "This Bill would help to strengthen the electoral system.

According to the experience gained, everybody is willing to change the existing electoral system," the Minister added.