EC-political parties powwow

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The Election Commission has requested political parties to submit their annual accounts, changes in respect of office-bearers and amendments to party constitutions, if any, at a meeting held at the EC Secretariat at Rajagiriya on Monday (11).

Commissioner General of Elections, told The Island that the EC asked the political parties to furnish requested information urgently.

Among those who had been present on the occasion were Basil Rajapaksa and lawmaker Ranjith Madduma Bandara on behalf of the ruling SLPP and the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB), respectively.

The SLPP and the SJB are represented by 145 and 54 members, respectively.

The EC also advised political parties to be ready to submit proposals to the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on electoral reforms. Ratnayake emphasized the importance of political parties taking advantage of an opportunity to submit proposals against the backdrop of continuing discussions on urgently required electoral reforms.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa announced his decision to appoint a PSC on electoral reforms when the five-member EC headed by attorney-at-law Nimal Punchihewa paid a courtesy call on the Premier.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa named the new EC in terms of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. The previous EC consisted of three persons.

During Monday’s discussions, the EC and senior representatives of political parties dealt with the ongoing revision of the 2020 electoral register. Ratnayaka said that the EC requested political parties to help in the preparation of the new electoral register without leaving a single voter out.

Contrary to a section of the Maha Sangha as well as some members of SLPP strongly opposing holding of much delayed Provincial Council polls, those participating at the discussion pushed for early PC polls. The EC has assured them that their concerns would be examined.