Prez/PM discuss with Election Commissioner PC Polls under FPTP – Government
As President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa have discussed with the Chairman of the Elections Commission that the Provincial Councils Elections will be held soon under the ‘first-past-the-post’ voting system and the next election will be held under the mixed electoral system, said Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena.
He was addressing the Media at the Prime Minister’s Office, yesterday (7).
He further added that even though the President would like to go for a mixed electoral system it would take time, therefore this time it would be first-past-the-post voting system.
Minister Abeywardena pointed out that the President will only state the President’s policy statement on 14 November, according to the Parliamentary agenda.
After that, Parliament will be prorogued for another day and party leaders will assemble and discuss the agenda for the next Parliament date, he added. Also the President can dissolve Parliament if there’s an unstable situation or a request from Parliamentarians, he furth
er added.
Abeywardena claimed that the people’s sovereignty has the power to rule this country more than the Parliament, therefore, Parliament can go for a referendum Constitutionally regarding where the judiciary cannot intervene.
He also noted that the Speaker was holding informal party leaders meetings since Parliament is prorogued he has given the support to appoint a new Leader of the House and for the latter to assume his duties.
He confirmed that the Government is currently working on giving back vehicle permits to Government workers and also tax and price concessions had already been provided to the public.