The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) has called on all political parties to prioritize women and youth when selecting candidates for the upcoming parliamentary election, scheduled for November 14 in Sri Lanka. With several senior politicians stepping down from the race, CaFFE emphasizes the importance of providing fresh opportunities for women and young candidates to contribute to the nation’s political landscape.
Surangi Ariyawansa, Director of CaFFE, highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among the public with certain members of Parliament who have failed to fulfill their duties as public representatives. In light of this, she urged political parties to avoid nominating individuals who have faced public criticism and instead focus on candidates who can bring a new perspective to governance.
Ariyawansa stressed the importance of enhancing women’s representation in Parliament. Despite women making up the majority of voters in Sri Lanka, accounting for 50-52% of the electorate, their representation in Parliament has historically remained low, hovering around 6%. CaFFE believes that this underrepresentation must be addressed, urging all parties to give women a more prominent role in this election.
CaFFE’s appeal comes at a critical time, as the nation prepares for a crucial general election. The organization believes that increasing the number of women and youth in Parliament is essential for strengthening democratic governance and ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard.
