Three sub-committees to submit proposals to amend electoral laws

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Presidential Commission of Inquiry to make necessary recommendations for the amendment of election laws said three sub-committees were appointed to submit recommendations under each section for the amendment of the electoral system.

Its Secretary Madhawa Dewasurendra said accordingly, one sub-committee will consider the proposals regarding the Constitutional legal framework related to the electoral system and make recommendations.

Another sub-committee will study media criteria and women's representation and make recommendations.

The Secretary said another sub-committee will present recommendations regarding preparing a code of conduct and the role of candidates and political parties, following the announcement of an election.

Dewasurendra said the basic draft related to the new electoral system will be prepared after receiving the relevant recommendations.

He said the electoral systems of democratic countries such as India, Singapore, Canada, Britain, Switzerland and Estonia are being studied at present, to gain an understanding of the models that can be used to amend Sri Lanka's electoral system.

The term of office of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to submit recommendations for the amendment of the electoral system is scheduled to end on the 15th of April.

He said an interim report containing recommendations related to amending the electoral system will be handed over to the President before the 15th of April.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed the commission of inquiry on the 15th of October, headed by retired Chief Justice Priyasath Dep PC to obtain and submit information, investigate, inquire into and examine all existing election laws and regulations and make necessary recommendations for the amendment of election laws.