Call to end proportional system of elections

The Current Affairs Committee of the Archdiocese of Colombo has called upon the government and all political parties to join hands and take immediate measures to change the present proportional system of elections and introduce a better election system which would help to build a sound political culture in the country.

The committee in a statement issued under the signature of its Co-ordinator and Episcopal Vicar of the Archdiocese Southern Region Very Rev Fr Cyril Gamini Fernando said it is common knowledge that the proportional representation system introduced in 1978 has led to unprecedented election violence, destruction to life and property and utter waste of funds. Furthermore, it has led to many election frauds and corrupt practices and created intra party rivalries. Scrapping of the electorate level system of elections has destroyed the close link and rapport that existed between the people and their elected representatives.

Under the present system of proportional representation, candidates have to spend vast sums of money quite unnecessarily to canvass votes on district level. All this has posed a severe threat to the country's political stability and social development. Further, continuation of this system will jeopardise the country's economic, social and political development and destroy moral values.

The statement said it is the duty of the government and all political parties to change this system and institute an electoral system more beneficial to the country without delay.