Small parties will be forced to take up arms if a new electoral system makes it impossible for them to be elected to bodies such as Parliament, Provincial Councils and local bodies and work for their people, Member of Parliament Mano Ganesan said over the weekend.
Speaking to journalists after a discussion he had with a number of other political parties such as EPDP, PLOTE, ACMC and SLMC MP Ganesan said there is a move to change the electoral system in such a way to prevent small parties from getting their members elected to various bodies such as Parliament.
“This is not an issue with Tamils and Muslims but an issue pertaining to other small political parties such as JVP. Even SLFP has become a small party. It is actually the largest among the small parties. All these parties if not given a chance to get their people elected will be forced to take up arms. I will not take up arms, but maybe the future leader of my party might do so. Is the government going to push JVP to Sinharaja forest and parties such as PLOTE, EPDP to the jungles in the North in order to start up arm struggles?” he questioned.
“We request the government not to change the electoral system and continue with the proportional representation system which was introduced by late President J. R. Jayewardene. Late President J R. Jayewardene through proportional representation gave the opportunity for the small parties to represent Parliament,” he added.
Mr. Ganesan said the Executive Presidency should be retained, as it ensures stability of the government. “Late President Jayewardene also introduced a system where Parliament is used to ensure checks and balances. Therefore checks and balances are ensured through the legislature and Judiciary,” he said.
He said some of the opposition political parties including Tamil Progressive Alliance have come together to discuss electoral reforms just like some of the government allies have done. “One will be able to see major changes in Sri Lanka’s political fabric before long,” he said.(Daily Mirror)