Preferential system of elections has lead to conflicts says Dullas

It has been proved beyond doubt that the preferential system of elections is a most crisis ridden, destructive and displeasing system of elections, Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said.

“This system leads to conflicts even between members of the same party making them go for each others throats,” the minister said.

Alahapperuma was addressing the gathering at a ceremony organised by the National Youth Services Council at the ministry yesterday.

He said the constitutional amendment regarding the introduction of the preferential system was tabled in Parliament by then Prime Minister R Premadasa on behalf of President J R Jayewardene in 1978.

“Out of those who voted in favour of that amendment, only Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and Joseph Michael Perera are in the present Parliament. The UNP introduced this system with the intention of remaining in power for ever. It argued that no other party would be able to muster a two third majority in parliament to shelve this system. That myth had been broken during President Mahinda Rajapaksa's tenure,” the minister said.

Alahapperuma said instances where tribal features appeared among certain public servants were witnessed during the last few months.

“University Dons launched a strike refusing to assess students' examination answer scripts. A crisis between doctors and nurses over a room problem escalated into a strike threatening parents' lives. Judges too refrained from their duties alleging that the rule of law is not properly implemented. These issues should be subjected to a wide public debate,” the minister said.