Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake stated that if political parties delay nominating representatives for the national list MP positions after the release of the General Election results, there may not be a full representation of all 225 members in Parliament when it convenes on November 21.
He further mentioned that there is a possibility of releasing the preferential vote results on November 15 or 16, and the number of national list MP positions allotted to each party and independent group, based on the number of votes received, will also be announced on those days.
Speaking at a media briefing in Kandy, Election Commissioner General Ratnayake said that since there is approximately a week between the election date and the date Parliament convenes, the gazetting of the names of MPs appointed as public representatives should occur on November 18 or 19.
If political parties or independent groups delay in nominating names for the national list MP positions, it will not be possible to gazette these names before the date Parliament convenes. As a result, not all 225 members will be represented when Parliament meets on November 21.
In the previous Parliament session as well, there was no full representation of all MPs on the first meeting. Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed to the national list MP position allocated to the United National Front only after a considerable delay.
Initially, only a person whose name was on the national list or who contested in the election could be appointed to a national list MP position. Although Ranil Wickremesinghe’s name was not on the national list, he had contested from the Colombo district, allowing him to enter Parliament through the national list. A person who did not contest the election or whose name is not on the national list can only be appointed as an MP if a seat becomes vacant due to the resignation of someone initially appointed as a public representative.
(Daily News)
(This story, originally published by Daily News has not been edited by SLM staff)
