I have had some valuable comments and criticisms on “Electoral Reforms: Proposal for a ‘hybrid’ system without preferential votes”, published in the newspapers about 6 weeks ago.

 Considering the various views that have been expressed, I am now submitting some amendments to my original proposal. I believe that this revised proposal would be more acceptable, especially to minority groups

( parties ), as it would be a fairer system to determine the number of seats on the basis of nation-wide  proportional representation.     

Mr Nimal Siripala de Silva has quite rightly pointed out that, in the election of MPs on the First Past the Post (FPP) System, the present composition of 160 electorates needs to be revised as some electorates have about 170,000 voters, while some are in the region of 50,000. I wish to state that I had suggested that the present composition of 160 electorates be maintained at the forthcoming General Election only as a temporary measure, so that elections could be held without delay. Mr. Rajitha Senaratne has pointed out that, with the present advances in computer science, a Delimitation Commission  could act speedily, and forward its report within a few weeks.   

Therefore my first revision is that a Delimitation Commission should immediately  determine the number of electorates -  some of which may consist of more than one seat. For purposes of discussion, I suggest that the number of MPs so elected (FPP ) should be 100.  

It is recommended that, in keeping with the basic principles advocated in my earlier proposal, the total number of MPs be maintained at the existing number - namely 225. They would consist of the following four categories:   (as explained below)
Elected- 100, Selected -  60, Nominated – 60, Bonus seats – 5.     

These numbers may be 110, 55, 55, 5 respectively or changed suitably.   

Herbert A. Aponso, Emeritus Professor of Paediatrics,  -  [email protected]