The pathway to a voter friendly, Meritocratic Proportional Representation (MPR) Electoral System and a People Based Governance(PBG)with a rationalised Political Administration Structure

The pathway to a voter friendly, Meritocratic Proportional Representation (MPR) Electoral System and a People Based Governance(PBG)with a rationalised Political Administration Structure

PART -1

1.0 Towards a voter friendly MPR system

1.1 Our simple voters as main stake holders of any Election, keep mid- night vigil on any National Election day firstly wanting to know the Winning Party and the Number of seats they have won; Secondly, they look for the names and the credentials of those who will represent them in the Supreme Parliament in the case of a General Election. Hitherto, they were not keen to know how the number of seats were calculated but accepted the results without any fuss.

1.2 The pre-1978 Westminster First- Past the-Post (FPP) System was of course easier to understand as the Candidate who collects the highest No. of Votes in an Electorate(The one who First Passes the winning Post) became the MP for the Electorate. However, in the present context, a few concerned voters noted from the puzzling results of the 1970 and 1977 General Elections as shown in TABLE- 01 below that the FPP system reveals a blatant mockery of the most fundamental ‘Equality of Vote’ particularly in a country marred by  ethnic strife. A cursory glance by a 5th grader will reveal how absurd and farcical they are.

It is ironical that both major Parties have eaten ‘humble pie’ under the FPP system. The main reason for this mockery is-‘The winner takes it all’ principle resulting in all valid votes of losers being virtually thrown in to the ‘Waste paper Basket’ even if their aggregate exceeded the winner’s total votes. Also, most voters have since realized that, the ‘main wish’ of FPP proponents to have a MP in the Electorate to resolve their Issues/grievances at National Parliament level, has become outdated and redundant after,

i) Strengthening of the ‘Decentralized Political Administration System’ through Provincial Councils (PCs) reinforced by 09 Provincial Parliaments in 1988,

ii) Rapid advances in Communication media through TV/ Internet /Email/Whats App. / FM Channels etc. and

iii) Improvement of transport network with Private buses and long distance highways since 1990s that effectively miniaturerised our small country.

Unfortunately, the effectiveness of the PCs was paralyzed by the MPs who jealously guarded their ‘Preference Vote’ Bank in the electorates/Districts, by using their Decentralized budget while blocking due powers to PCs. However, at present, on average, there are 57 (PC and Local Govt. level) politicians for each Electorate! Also, the colossal burdens that People had to bear due to the short sighted dictatorial decisions of those 02 regimes commanding super majorities under FPP system are not at all in its favour. Thus, the FPP system is simply untenable; more so, in view of its inability to ensure the most fundamental ‘Equality of vote’ that will surely foster unity and ‘Sri Lankan ness’ in a society afflicted by ethnic rift.

1.3 The original Proportionate Representation (PR) system of 1978, basically attempted to give value to valid votes to a much greater extent than the FPP system, to meet the Primary  objective of  rational seat allocation based on ‘Equal value’ of vote. However, it was also constrained by the inherent power hunger of the selfish politicians harping on the need to have so called ‘Stable Govts.’ with big majorities. As a result, the calculation of seat allocations became tricky for simple voters. Even if they were keen to check its veracity, they would have given up halfway, unable to digest complex factors such as ‘Relevant number of Votes’ and ‘Resulting number’ or ‘Constructive figure’ etc.as stated in the 1978 Constitution. Thus, it is now evident that the PR system that was in operation since 1989 General Election where the ‘equal-value ’of vote and Meritocracy were envisaged, didn’t meet voter expectations due to the following impediments.

 i)Creation of a so called District ‘Bonus’ seat to each District winner, piggybacking on the valid votes of all other parties in the District,  to justify a so called ‘Stable Govt.’

ii)District wise minimum requirement of votes ( Since reduced from 12.5 % to 5%) discarding large chunks of valid votes to the ‘waste paper basket’ to favour Major Parties.

iii)Pre-determined allocation of seats at District level when the seats should have been proportionately determined at National level for the single Parliament at the Centre.

iv)Replacement of ‘District Priority/Merit lists’ by the infamous ‘Preference cum ‘Manapey’ vote’ mechanism with Nomination lists in alphabetical order, allowing nomination of ‘Henchmen’ of Party leaders to strengthen their ‘Vote Bank’.

This measure also crippled the avowed objective of making the much larger District as the polling unit to discourage the 196 District MPs from spending their valuable time for vote canvassing efforts such as issuing MP’s Chits, distributing goodies, attending local opening ceremonies, funerals, weddings, Birthdays etc, at electorate level. Obviously, the more ubiquitous PC members should have been handling such matters. The MPs were expected to spend more time to achieve Parliament objectives. viz. Law making, Controlling National Finance; Approving and monitoring National and Decentralised Budgets and making Foreign/Local Policy from the Centre. In any case, even the present system would not prevent Parties from assigning Electorates to their MPs as it is a Party matter.

1.4 The differences resulting from the aforesaid ‘tinkering’ of the clean PR concept and the extrapolated Electorate level Press results  under Pre-1978 FPP Method can be seen  from the Analysis of General Election results – 2020  as per TABLE-02 below.

In other words, if 100% PR arithmetic  ensuring  ‘equal value’ for votes was adopted at the 2020 election, the SLPP would have won only 133 seats which is below a 2/3 rd. majority. The JBB would have increased its seats from 3 to 9 while UNP would have got 5 seats instead of 01. OPPP would get a fair increase from 1 to 2 seats. The ITAK would see a reduction from 10 to 07 seats while EPDP sees a justifiable reduction from 2 to 1 seat. However, 05 new Parties/Independent groups would have entered the Parliament with 01 seat each, giving maximum value to valid votes.  Col. No.10 affirms the fundamental and inherent weakness of FPP system revealing the blatant disparities arising from ‘inequality’ of votes as highlighted above.

1.5 In 2018 the Mixed Member Voting(MMV) system, to appease the so called FPP Camp demanding  a MP to look after each Electorate was tested with Island wide LG Election. As we know, the alien MMV system with adhoc ratios, ended up with a heap of ‘over hang’ problems and complexities culminating in  a dramatic, (nearly threefold) increase in the total number of local Govt. members to 8,653, after a remarkable delay in releasing final results, culminating in an indefinite postponement of PC elections

However, in the present context, any attempt to recognise the outdated FPP system through a ‘Mixed Member Electoral system’ would be an exercise in futility and redundant for voters, authorities and the Country.

1.6 Now, it is patently clear that over the last 75 years, the valuable votes of the majority poverty stricken polity were virtually pilfered by corrupt, black money throwing, mediocre politicians offering ‘goodies’ and ‘Election manifestoes’ replete with false promises, while the others who were politically docile (Inter alia due to complexity and inherent defects of the Electoral system) either abstained from voting or got their votes rejected (Valid Votes at 2020 Election were 71.32% of registered voters).This misadventure allowed corrupt and mediocre Politicians to rule the roost in the Parliament for such long periods in history blocking the doors to capable ‘Country- first Political Professionals’ and preventing due representation of such women and youth at grass root level.

The miserable failure of our Electoral system to genuinely and objectively address the aforesaid Primary and secondary concerns of the voters especially Youth and the new generation, despite objective proposals/ ‘System changes’ by some stake holders finally dumped the country to a deep abyss of ‘Bankruptcy’ after 74 years of Independence. This devastating Economic and financial ‘Black Mark’ was desperately upstaged by the ‘Peaceful Youth Aragalaya’ at the Galle Face in 2022.

1.7 In hindsight, with the advent of Provincial Councils (PCs) in 1988, the authorities  should have  firstly introduced  a simple and fair Electoral system based on ‘Equal ballot’ as per Article 93 of our Constitution and  the  more precise Article 21 (3) of UN’s ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights -1948 which reads as -‘’The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of Government; this Will  shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.”

1.8 Secondly, the authorities should have kept abreast with the changing times and introduced a mandatory mechanism to ensure nomination of 225 ‘Country first-Political Professionals’ to represent the increasing numbers of the new generation and youth by repealing the corrupt and abhorrent ‘Preference vote’ (Manapey) option. Due to their failure to do so, the achievement of the said secondary concern of the voters has been doomed from the inception of our Electoral system.

1.9 A step-wise pathway carefully designed to remedy the aforesaid shortcomings are presented with  accruing benefits for Electoral (Part-2) and Political Administration systems (Part-3) in order to empower simple voters with a voter friendly Electoral system and a people based Governance with a ‘bottom up’ approach.

PART- 2

Pathway to a voter friendly, Meritocratic PR (MPR) Electoral system.   

Arising from the aforesaid backdrop, the following simple proposals can be termed as ‘System changes’ in keeping with its current usage by the polity. However, they are aimed at Reforming/Changing/refining the procedures in the existing system than totally replacing it with an alien ‘break through’ juggernaut.                              

1) Ensure ‘Equality of vote’ as the Primary requirement of a genuine democratic Election as required under UN Human Rights Declaration-1948

It can be ensured by genuinely allocating the 225 seats to Parties based simply on their National vote % at a General Election or District Vote% at a PC Election. (Refer Col. 8 in Table-02 above.) It is the Primary Function/Objective of any Election. At a General Election, such nationally allocated seats of each Party can be apportioned to Districts as well as Electorates if necessary, by again applying % arithmetic to enable assignment of MPs to Districts/Electorates using ‘Largest remainder Method’

Benefits

i.Ensures ‘Equal value’ to each valid vote cast in North, South, East and West.

ii.Rational and transparent allocation of seats, to National Parliament/PCs, for redistribution among Districts/Electorates boosts voter confidence in the system.

iii. Fosters the much desired ‘Sri Lankan’ ness .

2) Ensure election of ‘Country-first-Political Professionals’ as People’s Representatives to achieve Secondary objective of an Election (Necessitated by Sri Lanka’s failed Representative Democracy for the last 75 years). Towards this end,

A. Firstly, repeal the infamous, OPTIONAL ‘Preference Voting mechanism’.

Immediate  Benefits:
i The electoral process will instantly become very much simpler, more meaningful and non-violent.
ii Official Expenditure, Time and Energy will come down drastically.

iii.ElectionresultscanbeannouncedbyMid-night.

iv The total Election exercise will be environment friendly.

B.Secondly, to ensure that only ‘Political Professionals’ will represent sovereign voters in the Parliament/PCs, NEC to stipulate compulsory minimum eligibility criteria and a standardized structured interview scoring system to all contesting Parties (Amendable with changing times)on the lines given below

C.Compulsory Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Election Candidates

Updated Nomination criteria for Election candidates as per ‘March 12 Movement’ spear headed by ‘PAFFREL’( From 1 to 8)

i. Should be a practical person who is sensitive to the entire community, has a National thinking, is aware of international politics and has the ability to formulate laws and policies and manage finance.

ii. Should not be a person who had served a jail sentence for a crime or a person who has received a suspended sentence.

iii. Should not be a person who had been proven guilty of bribery or corruption and should be acceptable to society and a person of good character. Be cautious. When considering those alleged of bribery or corruption.

iv. Should not be a person who is engaging or had engaged in the past in trades such as alcohol, drugs, gambling, casinos and prostitution that are detrimental to the wellbeing of the country.

v. Should not be a person who is engaging or had engaged in trade which destroys the ecological life support system that causes destruction to the environment.

vi. Should not be a person who had entered into financial agreements prejudicial to the country before becoming a people’s representative and as a people’s representative who has abused power and entered into financial agreements with the government or has been a party to such an agreement.

vii. Candidate should be either a resident or have an amiable relationship with residents of the area they represent.

viii. Religious leaders should not be nominated by political parties because they deserve the respect of the entire population irrespective of political differences.

ix. Passes in at least 2 subjects in GCE ‘A’ Level within 3 attempts (In today’s context, it is not a tall order and it is important to complete at least 12 years of school education.)

x .A minimum 01 year Diploma certificate from an acceptable Professional Body. (It is important to integrate in to society from school and develop the ability to select best alternative among many options and present facts logically)

xi. Should be below 65 years as at the date of closing nominations.

xii A letter of undertaking to produce an ‘Asset Declaration’ as per specimen of NEC dated within 07 days prior to  closing Nominations.

xiii A letter of undertaking to produce a ‘Good health’ certificate from a registered Medical Practitioner issued within 01 month  before interview.

D.Suggested main Qualifications and traits with upper limits for a NEC structured Interview scoring system totaling 300 marks for ELIGIBLE Candidates.

i.Educational qualifications as per NEC eligibility criteria- 50 ( 16.67%) +

ii.Professional Qualifications in Law, Economics, Accountancy and related Banking and Political Science- 55 (18.33%) +

iii.Computer literacy- 50 (16.67%) +

iv.Multi-Lingual Communication skills- 50 (16.67%) +

v.Social integration and Political Experience- 35 (11.66%)  +

vi.Overall Suitability-60 (20%)=Women /Youth imperatives (20) +physical fitness-Age(10) + Clean Public and Private Life( 15)+ ‘Country-first’ attitude and attributes such as, Honesty, high morals and Gen. Knowledge as practiced in Public and Private Life(15)

E.Procedure for District level Interviews using NEC scoring sheet

i. An interview Panel with 5 members (including its chairperson) appointed by the relevant District level Party hierarchy shall first check the veracity of all Educ./Prof./Comp.qualifications(D-i,ii&iiiabove)&Character/Referee/Medical certificates of eligible applicants called for the interview and consensually  allocate marks  subject to given limits. (Part qualifications will receive lesser marks)

ii. Scores for D iv,v &vi above  shall be marked independently by panel members based on their own assessment, except that Sub-Col. Marked W/Y (Women/ Youth)  shall carry Full marks.

iii. After completing the interviews, the total score of each applicant as given by each Panel member shall be added up and a preliminary list in merit order shall be prepared for the District under the signature of all 5 Panel members.

 A separate Panel shall be selected for each District by the District Party hierarchy.   

F.Procedure with Nomination lists

 After the interviews, the following steps have to be taken subject to specific closing dates imposed by NEC.

i.Contesting Parties /Groups to prepare, sign and forward Electorate/ District wise preliminary nomination lists in merit order, to NEC with a few extra names in merit order at the bottom of their lists. The names of at least 01 Woman & 01 youth below 35 years should appear among every 05 nominees in the final District/Electorate/Central Pool wise merit lists of candidates.(See G below)

ii.NEC shall publish all  merit lists including National list members in Print and other effective Media (At least 01 Sinhala, Tamil and English National Newspaper) to allow public scrutiny, objections and/or clearance before a date specified by NEC.

iii. NEC will scrutinize the public objections/responses and re-forward them to the Parties concerned with its own recommendations.

iv.The Parties will accordingly finalise their nomination lists and submit them for registration along with duly signed Affidavits prepared as per specimens of NEC.

v.If any lapses or disqualifications are observed, the returning officer can allow possible rectifications within the closing date or reject nominations of such candidates or lists.

vi.If disqualifications are detected after the Election, they can be challenged in Courts through election petitions. The successful party can name the next corresponding nominee (Woman,Youth etc.) from the relative registered list though normally, it would be the next nominee in a merit list.

Benefits  i. Advent of ‘Country- First’ Political professionals such as Lawyers, Accountants, Economists, Bankers and wise  and experienced Political Professionals in large numbers, competent in selecting the best alternative among many  and interpreting  laws/ policies, National /Decentralised Budgets etc. which are the main objectives of the National Parliament, will surely produce ‘Country-First’- Constructive and Consensual debates by decent professionals maintaining the decorum of the supreme Parliament.(This Character/attitudinal change is a main expectation of sovereign voters and peaceful ‘Aragalites’.)

ii.Simple voters will be spared of electing ‘Horses’ from lists of ‘Donkeys’!

iii. Ensures the required 20% each for women and Youth in the Parliament/ PCs.

iv.Costly and disturbing By-elections can be avoided.

v.Electoral system wins confidence of voters.

vi.Since decision making becomes more patriotic and rational with a balanced mix of representatives working towards a common objective in the House, the hackneyed terms such as ‘Unstable Govt.’,Hung-Parliament’, Bonus seats, Minimum%, ‘Cross overs’, ‘Deal Politics’ and 2/3rd Majority etc. will become irrelevant.

G.Special Note: Accommodating FPP/PR /Central Pool proponents.

If absolutely necessary, NEC may allow Parties to nominate their District candidates in merit order under any one or both 1& 2 of the following captioned nomination lists.

a) District -wise list as per proposed MPR system.

b) FPP list in Electorate merit order under each District. (160 Electorates can be topped up to 196 by nominating more than 01 candidate to Electorates with higher populations.)

c) Central Pool list (Previous JVP method) for Parties/Groups contesting in few Districts say less than 10

Benefits

i.Unlike the complex MMV System, this method is simple, reasonable and flexible.

ii.It allows all relevant proponents to meet their expectations.

iii. The No. of seats remains fixed.

3) 29 National list (NL) members too have to be selected as per similar criteria and procedure with emphasis on their special objectives. (Multi-Community proportionate Representation and special Expertise)as laid down by NEC.

In this instance, a separate District/Electorate-wise final National merit list to be prepared and submitted for registration along with other Main District Nomination lists. As a result, unelected candidates from the main District lists cannot be accommodated under the National list. 

Benefits: i) It provides a transparent method to satisfy the voters who also will recognize the quality of National list members when making their voting decision.

ii) Having MPs to meet special objectives augments National unity efforts and special expertise requirement in the Parliament.

Note: Extra names in merit order can be added to all District nomination lists up to a % specified by NEC.

4) Discourage registration of ‘Mushroom’ Political parties by imposing stringent eligibility and high cash deposit requirements. (353 independent parties/Groups contested at 2020 Election accounting for 3% of National votes). Most likely, the proposed eligibility criteria and interview system will act as deterrents for new parties with ulterior motives and agendas.

 Benefits : i.Shorter Ballot papers will reduce  voter confusion, Rejected votes  and paper costs.

ii.Reduces other costs, energy and time wasted in the total process.

iii.Reduces fielding of decoy contestants by major parties to gain power by hook or by crook.

5) Brand Party ‘Election Manifesto’ as the main consideration for Voter decision, by establishing a Monitoring mechanism and an Audit procedure to ensure the implementation of the relevant ‘Manifesto’ within given time frames and/or make it a prosecutable document.

Benefits: i. As a branded genuine document, the ‘Election Manifesto’ will become the primary determinant for making a wise voter decision.

ii.Due to Monitoring/Audit procedure, the people will have confidence in the realisation of their expectations.

iii. Improves the value of the ballot and the quality of the Electoral system.

6) Introduce a ‘Highest campaign expenditure formula’ for all contesting parties/Alliances to ensure a ‘Level playing field’. (This item has since been legalized but merits further discussion)

Benefits: i. A level playing field enhances the quality of the Election process.

ii.Campaign financing can be easily monitored by the authorities.

iii.  Party/Alliance hierarchies can focus their District campaigns on ‘Election Manifesto’ as 

       well as on the quality of their  candidates while highlighting the choice list if any.

iv.Deserving candidates without adequate financial support can come forward.

7) Ban ‘Cross-over’ mockery and allow member vacancies to be filled by any corresponding name/s in the relevant registered list.

Benefits: i. It rejects ‘Deal’ politics and restores collective sovereign voter conscience as ‘Principals’, over the individual conscience of ‘MPs’ who are only their ‘Agents’/Representatives.

ii.Allows more flexibility to parties when filling vacancies.

iii. Prevents use of highly unethical and corrupt ‘deal- politics’ to change the balance of power already created by the sovereign voters for a specific period.

iv.High-cost and disturbing ‘by-elections’ become redundant.

8) Hold General and PC Elections on one legally specified date using differently coloured Ballot papers (Except during a transitional period),to ensure maximum productivity of the Electoral and Political Administration systems.

Note: The polling unit for seat determination will be:

General Election:   Country as a Single Electorate with 225 seats.

PC Election:  District with No. of seats fixed as per Delimitation Report.

Benefits:

i. All elections will achieve their purpose /objectives.

ii. Considering the additional costs, time and energy to be spent to comply with possible health regulations, a massive load of such resources can be saved by the Govt. in addition to the huge expenditure budget to hold a single National Election.(A budget of Rs.10 bln was allocated for the LG Election alone!)

Such simple and cost-effective steps including even a relevant Referendum on the same day will enhance the productivity of the entire Electoral process. Electronic voting system would greatly assist.

iii. Prevents political interference arising from staggered PC elections.

iv.The entire country will save millions of precious ‘man hours’ resulting in enhanced productivity.

v.Practically, the Voters can decide on their ballots more rationally.

PART- 3

Pathway to a People Based Governance (PBG) with a rationalised Political Administration structure.

1.0 Towards a PBG with a rationalized Political Administration Structure

Readers will no doubt appreciate that Electoral reforms have to be coupled with reforms to Political Administration structure as well, to ensure optimum success of the reform process culminating in a PBG. Towards such end, it is imperative to rationalise the existing Decentralised Political Administration structure under the following framework

1.1 Rationalise the top tier to achieve the people’s demand to change the dictatorial Executive Presidency hanging fire from 1994, and thereby restore supremacy of the Parliament.

1.2 Strengthen the 3^rd tier viz. the PC system to serve as the main link of the people with the Parliament   and

1.3 Empower simple voters to achieve a people based Governance through a ‘bottom up’ approach by depoliticizing the 4th tier viz. LG bodies.

1.4 Extend the ‘bottom up’ approach up to Cabinet level by allowing  smaller party representation and reinforce the efforts to foster National unity through ‘Sri Lankan ness’.

2.0 Towards such end, the following step-wise pathway has been designed. The accruing benefits too are listed.                                 

1)Option-A Make the top tier -‘Executive Presidency’ a ‘Non-Partisan-Statesman’ without dictatorial powers subject to Judicial review and call for applications only from ‘Independent’ Candidates, conforming to a robust set of eligibility criteria laid down and /or to be laid down  under the respective Act.

Benefits: i. An ‘Independent’ Executive President, will strengthen the proper functioning of the ‘3 Pillars’.

ii.It will make the 2nd preference in the current ballot paper more meaningful and comfortable for the voter to select an alternate candidate among ‘Independents’.

Option-B Abolish Executive Presidency from a specified date through a   Referendum and elect a ‘Hybrid Governor General’ (HGG)from 3 to 5 candidates proposed by the Constitutional Council, with the vote of MPs and PC members. Apart from being the Commander- in- chief of the Country enjoying other ceremonial powers, He/She will have additional powers to appoint Provincial Governors and through them ensure timely execution of Parliament approved Acts, Laws, Budgets and Programmes.

Note: In this event it will become necessary to hold PC elections first, to enable PC members to vote for electing the HGG. The specified date in the Referendum for abolition of Executive Presidency has to be fixed accordingly and the Referendum can be held along with the PC Election.

Benefits: i. The much despised Executive Presidency, the abolition of which became the main pledge of all political parties from 1994 to ‘Peaceful Aragalaya- -2022’ becomes a reality.

ii.The Parliament becomes the sole supreme body with HGG playing a role as the ‘Executioner’ of Parliament approved Acts, Laws, Budgets and Programmes without red tape and reporting to the Parliament.

iii. The High cost of Presidential Elections will not be a burden any more to the Tax-Payers.

2) Transform the presently irreversible Provincial Councils to more efficient and productive bodies with additional powers (if necessary) and specific role responsibilities under the direction and supervision of the HGG working through ’Provincial Governors’.

Benefits: i. Due to balanced Provincial Development, the National Reconciliation efforts will succeed.

ii.Peoples’ Representatives in the periphery will receive due recognition.

iii. Role of 225 MPs will be limited to Law/Policy making and National /Decentralized Budgets and Finances.

iv.Allocation of Vehicles and other privileges to MPs can be rationalised.

v.MPs will not require ‘Decentralized funds’, but will monitor their usage through District Development Councils (DDCs) and facilitate a ‘Bottom-up’ approach.

3) Depoliticise Local Govt.(LG) Elections by establishing independent ‘Jana Sabhas’ (JS) at Grama Niladhari Division (GND) level initiated by the National Movement for Social Justice(NMSJ).

The Mission and Targets of ‘Jana Sabhas’ quoted below amply spell out the envisaged scale of empowerment of local People at the periphery and their participation in Governance at policy level.

A.  Mission

Ensuring optimal citizen participation in the formulation of public policies as well as in the implementation of public policies in Sri Lanka, through making Jana Sabha the most active form of participatory democracy in South Asia, and thereby contributing towards the creation of a sustainable State with an advanced and conscious citizenry by the year 2030.

B.Targets

i.Active involvement of peripheral public opinion in the  centralized decision-making process.

ii.Ensure  active community citizen participation in the implementation of public policies.

iii.Build an active and developed citizenry that contributes to the policy making process.

iv.Eliminate the destructives and corruption caused by the inefficiencies of bureaucracy and the intervention of political authority through active citizen involvement.

v.People’s participation in decision-making of national importance.

vi.Build ‘Jana Sabha’ as the participatory structure with sharp and advanced citizen involvement to correct the inefficiencies of existing democratic models through active citizen participation.

Source: Web results

C  The proposed methodology JS participation in LG Election

i. At the next LG election, allow each JS to nominate 03 (01 male, 01 female and 01 youth below 35 years of age) honest, impartial and socially acceptable candidates with high integrity so that the one with the highest no. of votes at each GND level will become the JS representative/facilitator taking up their recommendations and issues with LG authorities at DSD level.

ii. Each Divisional Secretary shall conduct the Election in his/her DSD in the presence of polling agents from the JS and ‘Grama Niladhari’ of the area.

iii.The Office bearers at ‘Pradeshiya Sabha’, Urban and Municipal council level shall be elected by JS Representatives  by vote.

 iv.The 14,000 JS Representatives may be paid a monthly allowance that ensures a lesser total outlay for the Govt. compared to that of the existing cadre of 8,653 LG members.

v.If, the next Delimitation exercise will take a long time to complete, the existing boundaries may be considered.

D. Benefits:

i. A strong ‘People based governance’ under a ‘Bottom up’ approach linking the people at the periphery with policy making at the top will become a historic reality.

ii.The real objectives of the LG Machinery will be achieved.

iii. People will receive impartial, uncorrupt, meaningful and efficient service.

iv LG bodies and people will save wasteful expenses and resources.

v.With the removal of politicised LG Elections, the tax payers will save billions of Rupees and the country will save millions of Man- hours wasted on the Election day alone.

vi.Creates a nursery for ‘Country first’ Political Professionals replacing the current breeding ground for corrupt politicians.

4) Constitute a ‘Sustainable National Cabinet’ by applying National vote % to allocate the constitutionally specified No. of Cabinet (30) and State (40) Ministries so that smaller seat wining parties too will be represented in the Cabinet a) allowing the ‘bottom up’ approach to reach highest policy making level and b) reinforcing the efforts to foster National unity through ‘Sri Lankan ness’. The portfolios can be allocated by consensus among Party leaders and the PM.

Benefits: In addition to a) and b) above, it removes the hackneyed ‘Sinhala Govt.’ label so that the country can boast of a ‘Sustainable National Govt.’

5) A highly related Proposal

It is imperative that ‘Mass media’ being the crucial  facilitators of Change and Country’s present and  future development efforts, shift the limelight from the ‘225’ at the Parliament  and give priority to Provincial and local news  Programmes with emphasis on innovative Socio –economic projects that will inspire and motivate the polity to contribute their might to the Country.

Benefits:

i. It would convince the public about the existence of an effective decentralized political administration system.

ii.Public will be aware of country’s development efforts.

iii. Public will become more patriotic.

iv.It will increase country’s productivity.

v.Public will develop a more positive attitude towards provincial politicians.

Conclusion

As a geographically and demographically small country, with unique and sensitive ethnic issues, Sri Lanka should have its own model that will comply with ‘Equality of Vote’ conforming to the global UN Declaration of Human rights -1948, to the maximum possible extent, without implanting complex foreign Models according to whims and fancies of selfish politicians hell bent on cheating the simple and gullible voters. “Be Global, act Local!”

Evidently, after the ‘Peaceful youth Aragalaya-2022’, the present day sovereign voters and the new generation crave for a ‘Fresh and genuine Representative  Democracy’ where the MPs/ PC Members as ‘Country First-political professionals’ shall genuinely, decently and constructively debate the pros and cons of  draft Bills/laws/Programmes/ Projects/Issues etc. and consensually agree on what is best for the Country/Province devoid of Party affiliations and corrupt, selfish deals.

Under the ‘Bottom up’ approach, the grass root level ‘Jana Sabhas’ will feed the ‘Country –first-Political Professionals’ in the Parliament with Policy initiatives, Programmes and Projects towards the progress of the Country with its people.

In the present political and country climate, it is not practical to reach out to convince the simple rural voter majority on the aforesaid package of ‘System changes’. Even if one assumes for a moment, that the rural majority has got the message in full, they have to face the same old defective Elections and like a prayer, most of the same old ‘power- hungry’, ‘Self/Party First’ set of traditional Politicians will return to occupy the 225 seats and they will be back to business and old tricks as usual !

Therefore, it is imperative that our Mass media including the Social media, Religious leaders, the voter dedicated organisations, Trade Unions, Civil society activists and the intelligentsia bring the country under one banner and clamour for the above ‘System changes’ before holding any Election. When they are legalised, simple voters can exercise their franchise freely to any Political Party of their choice. Thereupon, the country will be in safe hands to go ahead with the Socio-Economic and cultural changes to redeem our country from this deep Financial, Economic and Cultural abyss and move towards a peaceful and prosperous future.

If there is a will, there is a way !

Bernard Fernando

Former Deputy General Manager- BOC           

Email: jbvfernando@yahoo.com