Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Bill:

Hybrid system on way

The Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Bill will create a new system of electing members at electorate level for local authorities resolving problems relating to the existing election system, Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon said.

Minister Tennakoon said with the enactment of this law elections will be conducted at electorate level by deviating from the existing Local Government election system.

"The problem of not having a member to every electorate under the existing district preferential system will be addressed by this," the Minister added.

Minister Tennakoon expressed these views at a meeting at New Dharshana cinema hall Akuressa recently.

He said there was no member to represent Akuressa electorate where the highest number of electors are found in the Matara district creating problems relating to development in the electorate.

"This is a serious problem that has to be addressed soon", he said.

According to Local Government and Provincial Councils Ministry under the new proposed system 70 percent members will be elected on first-past-the-post basis and 30 percent members will be elected under proportionate system.

The Bill which was presented to the Parliament has been referred to the Provincial Councils for their comments and five Provincial Councils have given their comments on the Bill.

RW