By Chula Goonasekera
(Lanka-e-News -2026.June.08, 1.30 A.M.) It was encouraging to note the ongoing consultations of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on the review of election laws, chaired by the Minister of Public Administration, Prof. A. H. M. H. Abayarathna. The PSC deserves the fullest support and cooperation of the public in this important initiative. Getting this right is essential if Sri Lanka is to strengthen its democratic foundations.
It is time to address this matter at its roots. Democracy is not only about conducting fair elections; it is also about ensuring a fair and democratic electoral process. This process has two distinct components: the election itself and the nomination of candidates.
In Sri Lanka, candidate selection is largely determined by party leadership rather than by the people of the respective regions. As a result, the nomination process is often insufficiently democratic. Consequently, those elected cannot always be said to be fully representative of the electorate's choice. We have witnessed how this system has enabled political dynasties to enter Parliament and, at times, exercise disproportionate influence over public expenditure for personal or political advantage.
The Election Commission has done an admirable job in ensuring that elections are conducted fairly, with far less room for the corrupt practices that were common one or two decades ago. What is now required is reform of the electoral system itself. Several areas deserve careful consideration.
First, the National List and bonus seat provisions should be reviewed. National List Members constitute a significant proportion of Parliament—approximately 13 per cent—and can influence political outcomes despite not being directly elected by the public. Similarly, bonus seats alter the proportional value of votes through a formula that benefits the winning party. In effect, the electoral value of votes cast for the winning party is enhanced, while the representation of opposition votes is reduced.
This can weaken the role of the opposition at a time when a strong and effective opposition is widely recognised as essential to a healthy democracy. Whether this arrangement is fully consistent with the constitutional principle of equality of the vote deserves careful consideration.
Second, the nomination of party candidates should be decentralised and conducted at the regional or electoral district level. Local party members should have a meaningful role in selecting candidates through a democratic ballot process. Such decisions should not rest solely with party leaders based in Colombo. A similar principle could be applied to the nomination of presidential candidates, requiring broad regional support within a party before a candidate is selected.
Third, consideration should be given to introducing a mechanism for recalling elected representatives under clearly defined conditions. In the United Kingdom, a recall petition can be initiated only after specific legal or parliamentary sanctions have been imposed on an MP. If at least 10 per cent of eligible voters in the constituency sign the petition, a by-election is triggered. While Sri Lanka may choose a different model, the principle of recall could strengthen accountability and help ensure that elected representatives remain responsive to their constituents throughout their term of office.
Fourth, all candidates seeking public office should meet minimum eligibility standards, including literacy and competency requirements as determined by Parliament. In addition, clear and consistent rules relating to financial misconduct, corruption, and criminal convictions should apply both before candidature and while serving in office.
Finally, Sri Lanka has a large number of registered political parties, some of which appear to exist primarily for electoral convenience and business rather than genuine political representation. This issue warrants attention. At the same time, the process of forming new political parties should remain accessible to politically active groups. Consideration should also be given to measures that discourage political movements whose primary purpose is to promote division based on race, religion, gender, or region.
If Sri Lanka can establish stronger systems of balance, accountability, transparency, and democratic participation, it can significantly strengthen its democratic institutions and improve public confidence in governance. The challenge now lies with the Parliamentary Select Committee to consider these issues carefully and chart a path towards meaningful electoral reform.
Democracy does not end at the ballot box. It begins with fair representation, continues through accountability, and flourishes when citizens have confidence that those elected truly serve the public interest.
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by (2026-06-07 22:45:57)
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