THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Taking into account the need for bringing in certain modification in the existing electoral system in the country, the AKG Study Centre will organise a seminar on electoral reforms on Tuesday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the seminar at AKG Hall.
The CPM is of the view that the Central Government should rework its policies which are “against the federal system and the rights of the citizens.” The party feels that the Centre should withdraw from such legislation that may torpedo the democratic system in the country.
The seminar will have socio-political experts talking about possible reforms in addition to presentation of a document prepared by the CPM Central Committee. “Currently, people’s representatives are not elected based on proportionate representation. Those who get more votes win. Even without the backing of majority of voters, they are able to form the government. Bringing in a system of proportionate representation will be the solution for this issue. The appointment and functioning of Election Commission is also meant to protect the interests of the ruling dispensation,” said a statement by AKG Study Centre.
“There should be a system where the Commission is appointed by taking the opposition also into confidence. The BJP and the Central Government wants to hold simultaneous elections to Parliament and Assembly to sabotage the Parliamentary system and bring in the Presidential system. These issues will be discussed,” said the statement.
The seminar will be presided over by CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and politburo member S Ramachandran Pillai will give the keynote address. Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, CPI state chief Kanam Rajendran, JD(S) leader MP Veerendra Kumar, former State Election Commissioner K Sasidharan Nair, J Prabhash, N K Jayakumar and CPM district secretary Anavoor Nagappan will speak.