LSSP, other leftist parties propose two ballot papers

The Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP), backed by other parties, have proposed two ballot papers to be introduced under the proposed electorate reforms for voters to exercise their franchise in favour of their party of choice on the one hand, and, on the other hand, in favour of the candidate of their choice even representing a different party in the fray.

LSSP stalwart MP Prof. Tissa Vitarana told Daily Mirror his party had proposed this, with the endorsement of other leftist parties in Parliament.

“One ballot paper is for a voter to indicate the party of his choice, and the other to indicate the candidate of his choice. For example, I am from the Kotte electorate. I want to vote for LSSP. There is one ballot paper for it. Then, there is another to indicate the candidate. Suppose, there is no candidate representing LSSP. Then, I have the freedom as a voter to cast by ballot for a candidate from a different party to represent my electorate,” he said.

Prof. Vitarana, the former Science and Technology Minister said his party was for an upper limit of the number of seats to be elected.

“The UNP’s proposal to keep the number at 225 is absurd. Then, fair representation cannot be ensured. In the delimitation of electorates, the present anomalies have to be ironed out. The Election Commissioner proposed a minimum of 250 seats and a maximum of 270. We said 270 would be too much. Then, we have to compromise for the minimum,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of having multi-member constituencies to ensure representation for the minority voters.

The UNP’s proposal to keep the number at 225 is absurd.Then, fair representation cannot be ensured. In the delimitation of electorates, the present anomalies have to be ironed out