Government, main opposition tussle on private members Bills on electoral reforms

Government and the opposition are in for a battle to see that the private members Bill on the local government election reforms are debated in Parliament next week.

Government is expected to go ahead with the private members Bill submitted by MP Premanth Dolawatta while Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Imtiaz Bakeer Markar had written to the Secretary General of Parliament requesting that his Bill be taken up for debate.

“ I handed over a written request that my Bill be taken up for debate next week. I handed over my private members Bill almost six months ago. Six months will be completed on January 14. Therefore it can be debated straight away as per the standing orders. As per the standing orders a private members Bill can be debated next week. A Bill can be taken up for debate without a ministry observation as per the standing orders. However there are no provisions to prevent MP Dolawatte’s Bill being taken up for debate next week. In such a context there could be a tussle with regard to the matter when Parliament meets next week," he said.

The Bill presented by MP Dollawatte provides provisions to make 25 percent youth representation in local bodies compulsory whereas the Bill presented by MP Bakeer Makar provides provision to make 25 percent youth representation in Parliament , provincial councils and local bodies as well.