Election Commission report urges 33% women’s quota in Provincial Councils

A technical report prepared by the Election Commission on enhancing the representation of women and youth in Provincial Council elections was presented to the Parliamentary Select Committee tasked with reviewing the electoral system. The committee, chaired by Minister Vijitha Herath, convened recently at Parliament with the participation of Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, and other caucus members. The report outlined a framework to increase women’s and youth representation while retaining the existing Proportional Representation system and preserving the current method of determining election results. Extensive discussions were held on the legal and practical challenges of ensuring representation under the proposed system. The committee agreed to examine these issues further in upcoming sessions. During deliberations, the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus unanimously emphasized that women’s representation at Provincial Council and Local Government elections must be raised to at least 33%. Members stressed that this demand should be a central consideration in shaping the new electoral framework. The move reflects growing momentum to embed gender and youth inclusivity in Sri Lanka’s political structures, with the Election Commission’s technical input providing a basis for reform. (Newswire)