PROHAM notes with concern
the recent proposals by the Election Commission (EC) in its proposed redelineation
exercise which the EC announced recently which has implications for 12 parliamentary
and 34 state seats. There is a public outcry on this matter and expressions of
distrust from different sections of the political divide.
PROHAM reiterates that
the exercise of redelineation of constituencies is a fundamental process in
parliamentary democracy and that this exercise must be publically viewed as a
non-partisan exercise thereby instilling public confidence in the process and
outcomes.
It is of utmost important
that such a redelination exercise must be undertaken in an environment of public
trust. The exercise must be viewed by all parties as transparent, just and fair
with no political advantage for any one political party or group, noting the democratic
principle of one citizen - one vote principle.
In this proposed exercise
it seems that the size of the constituency matters as some of the urban parliamentary
constituencies are extremely large in contrast to the rural and semi urban
seats. This matter must be urgently reviewed so as to ensure that the citizens’
democratic rights are well protected.
PROHAM notes the
stipulated period for review and objections is an open one. It calls on
political parties and citizen groups to organise parliamentary and state level
talks and reviews seeking an active voter participation in this process. This
can enhance voter education and active citizen participation in the objection
and public hearing process.
Additionally, PROHAM
calls on the Election Commission to undertake some proactive public awareness
sessions with the registered voters at the affected parliamentary and state level
before the end of the objection period. This could reduce the level of distrust
and scepticism
in the public discussions and redelination exercise.
PROHAM encourages an
active citizenry participation in this exercise by in-depth review and filling
of objections so as to enhance parliamentary democracy.
Issue on behalf of PROHAM
by Datuk Kuthubul Zaman (PROHAM Chair), Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria (PROHAM Secretary
General) & Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam (PROHAM Member).
September 22, 2016
