Weaknesses in proportional representative system in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The successful implementation of electoral system is a characteristic of a democratic state. The proportional representative system is one of the main representative system in the world which came into being in 1978 through the second republic constitution in Sri Lanka. Several important features of proportional representative system can be identified such as the existence of a national list, preferential system, 2011 principle and bonus seat. The paper discusses certain crucial weaknesses regarding the general election. The study tries to identify the best system of election for Sri Lanka which at present is becoming a focus of debate. The government also makes considerations in finding durable solutions to these failures. Likewise the study attempts to identify possible grounds of introducing a suitable and workable electoral system to Sri Lanka. Primary and secondary data were used in order to fulfill the basic objective. The paper concludes the suggestion that the mixed representative system is the best form of electoral system to Sri Lanka.