‘No more delays’: Opposition MPs boycott PC polls meeting

Four Opposition MPs today boycotted the 10th meeting of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Provincial Council Elections, expressing frustration over what they described as a lack of seriousness and urgency in moving forward with the long-delayed elections.

The boycott was led by MPs Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Mano Ganesan, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam and Nizam Kariapper.

Speaking on behalf of the Opposition members, MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said they could no longer support a process which had failed to make meaningful progress despite the Committee having held 10 meetings.

He said practical options for conducting the elections were already before the Committee. The Election Commission has proposed holding the elections under the existing proportional representation system, while ensuring 25% representation for women.

Rasamanickam also pointed out that a Private Members’ Bill he had presented on the conduct of Provincial Council elections is already on Parliament’s Order Paper, providing a possible legislative pathway if a majority of MPs agree.

“These options are already before Parliament. What is required now is not further delay, but the political will to make a decision and take concrete steps towards holding the elections,” he said.

The Opposition MPs also highlighted a commitment in the National People’s Power’s 2024 Presidential Election Manifesto to hold Provincial Council and Local Government elections within one year of assuming office. The commitment is contained on page 128 of the manifesto.

Provincial Councils have remained without elected representatives for several years, depriving citizens of the opportunity to elect their provincial representatives.

The four MPs called on the Government and the Select Committee to take immediate steps towards holding the elections within a clear timeframe.

Rasamanickam warned that if the Committee failed to demonstrate serious political commitment, the four Opposition members would be compelled to take “a very serious decision”, although he declined to disclose what that decision would be.