The leader of the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) Dinesh Gunawardena, in an interview with the said that  the introduction of a new electoral system would be the highest priority under a government led by the UPFA in future. Mr. Gunawardena who contests the election on the UPFA ticket, expressed confidence that the party would get an overall majority. Excerpts of the interview.


Q : What is your overall assessment on the election campaign and the possible outcome?

We have come to the end of the campaign. It is clear that the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) will get a comfortable   majority at this election. During the last three weeks, the situation improved in favour of UPFA candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa, particularly 
in rural areas. 



Q : What are those issues you identified?  

They have livelihood issues. Their paddy cannot fetch a good price in the market.  Tea and rubber prices have also dropped.  The United National Party (UNP) government has failed to ensure a reasonable price for such agricultural products.  It has failed to even give the guaranteed prices they 
announced initially.  



Q : You mentioned that there was a wave of support for the UPFA in rural areas. Does it mean the UPFA is not doing well in the urban areas?

Even in the urban areas, the UPFA campaign has peaked.  There were mammoth gatherings of people at the UPFA rallies conducted in the Colombo district on Wednesday.  



Q : At the presidential election too, the UPFA witnessed the same public participation in its rallies. But, the UPFA did not win at the end. Can it be the same this time?
 
We can see greater enthusiasm among UPFA supporters in canvassing this time. I think this is because people have realised the difference between the UNP and the UPFA. 



Q : But, the UNP says it brought about freedom in the country, restored the rule of law, and brought down the cost of living. What is your comment on it?

Though they say they have restored freedom, they have broken the law. They have involved underworld criminals in their campaign activities. They are unable to face the charges about the Central Bank issue. 



Q : You have been in politics for the last 40 years. How how do you compare this election with those you participated in the past? 

Past elections were conducted under the First Past the Post system.  Then, electioneering was less costly while people got the chance to have a closer dialogue with their political representatives.  Today, it is a different set up. It is very costly for candidates.  It is difficult for people as well. 



Q : Does it mean you feel an urgency in bringing about a change in the present electoral system?

I feel it very much. It should be the highest priority of the next Parliament. 



Q : Elections Commissioner Deshapriya strictly implemented election laws this time. Did it affect campaigning? 

The EC has done what is possible within the powers vested with him. But, he has been unable to do anything beyond that because new election laws have not been enacted.  We have to pay attention to the excessive publicity given through the print and electronic media. 



Q : Do you advocate further changes to the constitution as well?

The UPFA has clearly pledged in its manifesto that it will bring about many changes to the constitution and the parliamentary system, something not done under the 19th Amendment. 



Q : The UNP says that it will form a national government  with the participation of other parties. How do you see that?

I do not think that question will arise. We will get an overall majority of seats in the next Parliament. 
Even for a national government to be formed, the party getting the highest number of seats   can call for it. That is clear in the 19th Amendment. 



Q : In such a situation how will the UPFA and President Maitripala Sirisena work together?  

The UPFA has accepted the fact that President Sirisena will serve his full term. And he has endorsed the UPFA candidature. There is mutual trust and understanding between the UPFA and President Sirisena. 



Q : What are the other pressing concerns in the country at the moment?

The country has been shocked by the TNA manifesto. That party has asked for the impossible.  It has posed a security and political threat to the country by demanding for a re-merger of the North and East and by calling for trials against our leaders before a war crimes tribunal. 



Q : How do you respond to the exhumation of former rugby player WasimThajudeen’s body?  Those linked to the previous government have been linked to his death.

Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa clearly said that legal inquires would proceed even under his rule in future to bring out the truth. By exhuming the body at the last minute, the UNP is playing politics with the dead.