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| Sunday, 22 February 2004 |
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President seeks four-point mandate by Don Asoka Wijewardena President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga will lead the United People's Freedom Alliance in the forthcoming Parliamentary Elections calling for a four-point popular mandate. As the Leader of the nine-party alliance, she is calling for a mandate to (a) continue peace negotiations with the LTTE (b) abolish the Executive Presidency (c) revise the Electoral System and (d) introduce a process of market-oriented economic development that also guarantees social justice. The President's Director General of Media, Janadasa Peiris told the Sunday Observer that the President, who was unanimously elected Leader of the UPFA last week, had decided to ask for these four mandates from the people. The continuation of peace negotiations with the LTTE remains the top priority, Peiris said. At the same time, the President was seeking a clear mandate from the people to abolish the current Executive Presidential system and a revision of the electoral laws for a more equitable and representative system of election, he disclosed. The introduction of a socially equitable market-oriented economic development and maintenance of social order without the abuse of political power is the fourth mandate sought by the UPFA. Mr. Peiris said that the President was confident of winning the General Elections as she was able to form the broadest and largest alliance with the assistance of other parties after 50 years. President Kumaratunga is convinced that the existing electoral system deprives small parties of parliamentary seats while a number of political problems are caused by the Executive Presidency system, he said. He also said that it was the wish of President Kumaratunga to introduce market-oriented economic development free from corruption and with transparency and accountability in all dealings. He pointed out that United People's Freedom Alliance comprises a number of political parties including the JVP, Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, National Unity Alliance, Sri Lanka Mahajana Party, Lanka Samasamaja Party, Communist Party, and Desha Vimukthi Janatha Party while one faction of the SLMC, the Attaulla group, has also joined the Alliance. He said the EPDP had expressed willingness to support the Alliance and in the estate sector, Sathasivam from the CWC has also decided to support the Alliance. He added that the President would formulate an effective policy for good governance to maintain public administration free from corruption, nepotism and malpractices. |
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