Opposition MPs Boycott 10th PC Elections Select Committee Meeting 📈

• Key Action: Four Opposition Members—Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Mano Ganesan, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, and Nizam Kariapper—boycotted the 10th meeting of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Provincial Council Elections due to lack of progress and urgency. • Offered Solutions: - Election Commission Proposal: Conduct polls under the current proportional representation system with a mandatory 25% representation for women. - Legislative Option: A Private Member’s Bill submitted by Shanakiyan Rasamanickam is currently on the Order Paper awaiting parliamentary approval to form the legal framework. • Political Context: Opposition members highlighted page 128 of the National People’s Power (NPP) 2024 Presidential Election Manifesto, which pledged to hold Provincial Council and Local Government elections within one year of taking office. • Democratic Impact: Provincial Councils have remained without elected representation for several years, denying citizens their local democratic rights; Opposition members warned of further unspecified action if a firm timeline is not provided.