JVP wants to hold LG polls with old electoral system

Sri Lanka’s Marxist party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on Sunday urged the government to hold the local government election with the old electoral system.

JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake while speaking to reporters at a press conference held in Colombo pointed out or the government would intend to delay the polls owing to “technical faults” of the Provincial Council Act.

“This is the reason why we urge them to apply the old electoral system,” he said.

Dissanayake went on to say if the government would not go ahead with the old system, steps should be taken to discuss on the “amendments that need to be made” with parties. He also pointed out if the new electoral system is to be used, the JVP would not be the only party to deal with the disadvantages of it.

“Those who back the President may consider it is ideal to hold the election with the first-past-the-post (FPP) system. But, probability of a member being elected to a council reduces since there would be two candidates representing Mahinda’s side and the President’s,” he underlined.