The final report of the Parliament Select Committee to identify appropriate reforms for election laws and the electoral system and to recommend necessary amendments was presented by committee chairman Minster Dinesh Gunawardena in parliament today.
Leader of House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the recommended reforms include the introduction of a mixed voting system and other changes.
He added that female representation in addition to youth representation was necessary in parliament.
The Parliament Select Committee has proposed to conduct elections under the old system, if a new system is not implemented.
He also noted that recognition criteria will be amended so that registered political parties can contest at elections without obstruction.
Minister Gunawardena said a suggestion has been made to recognise political parties and social activist groups separately.
The final report proposes that candidates be treated fairly when canvassing for elections, while imposing constraints on election campaign spending.
The constraints will be imposed in a bit to combat corruption due to the absence of a limit.
Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said reforms are due to be introduced so politicians do not misuse state resources to assist in personal election campaigns.
The Minister also noted that the reforms include the introduction of an online voting system and simplifying the process of nominations.
