Multi Member Electoral Districts Of Sri Lanka
Multi-Member Electoral Districts of Sri Lanka
The multi-member electoral districts of Sri Lanka are a fundamental component of the country's political landscape, established by the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka. These districts play a crucial role in the election process for the Parliament of Sri Lanka, which governs as a semi-presidential representative democratic republic.
Structure and Functionality
Sri Lanka is divided into 22 multi-member electoral districts. This division is based on administrative districts, which align with the country's geographic and administrative regions. Each electoral district is represented by multiple members in the Parliament through a system of proportional representation.
The members of Parliament are elected from these districts, with 196 out of the total 225 members being chosen directly from the multi-member electoral districts. The proportional representation system ensures that the distribution of seats corresponds closely with the overall percentage of votes received by each political party.
Historical Context
From the first parliamentary elections in 1947 until 1977, members were elected from single-member constituencies. This changed after the enactment of the 1978 Constitution, which introduced the multi-member district system to better accommodate the pluralistic society of Sri Lanka. The change aimed to provide fair representation to various political parties and minority groups within the Parliament.
Electoral Process
Elections in these districts are conducted under the proportional representation system, with political parties presenting lists of candidates. Voters cast their ballots for a party rather than individual candidates. The number of seats allocated to each party in a district corresponds to the proportion of votes the party receives.
The remaining 29 seats in the Parliament are filled through a national list system, which allows parties to nominate members irrespective of their performance in the electoral districts. This system helps to strike a balance between regional representation and national interests.
Notable Electoral Districts
Some of the notable electoral districts in Sri Lanka include:
- Ampara Electoral District
- Matara Electoral District
- Jaffna Electoral District
- Colombo Electoral District
Each district is conterminous with an administrative district, ensuring that all regions have representation in the legislative process.
Related Topics
The multi-member electoral districts are integral to Sri Lanka's political system, offering a framework for democratic representation and governance. The shift to this system has been pivotal in accommodating the diverse population of the island nation.