Southern Provincial Councillors cross party lines, want PR to go

Ishara Mudugamuwa

Intra party rivalry is mainly due to the prevailing electoral system, said UPFA Southern Provincial Councillor Maj Ajith Prasanna. He was addressing the media at Hotel Nippon, Colombo yesterday.

“The prevailing preferential voting system has given priority to individualism and not the party. Because of that competition between individuals of the same party has increased resulting in clashes.”

‘The recent election also proved this and the system should be changed.” he said. He also said there are good features of the preferential voting system, such as, allowing minority communities representation within the main political stream. But it has a large number of shortcomings. The preferential voting system also provides opportunities for various corrupt individuals to enter into the field of politics by spending millions. Maj. Prasanna also said within the preferential vote system, politicians never give priority for development activities.

They only try to find votes to secure their position. The Motion on the Bill to change the Local Government election system is scheduled to be submitted to Parliament on October 10. It should be highly appreciated. We request the President to introduce this new system for the next Provincial Council and General Elections.”

UNP Southern Provincial Council Member Ashoka Dhanawansha de Silva said without considering party differences, all politicians should accept the necessity of changing the preferential voting system to protect the law, justice and peace in the country. The Southern Provincial Council shows an example to the whole nation by working together in this purpose.

He also said the prevailing preferential vote system has resulted in a lack of skilled, prominent, talented political figures in today’s politics.