Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Rajitha Senaratne told journalists today that the forthcoming General Election will be held under the new electoral system.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press briefing, Senaratne further said the decision was taken after the President held discussions with the Elections Commissioner, Attorney General and the Surveyor General.

The minister said that the Elections Commissioner has promised that he will prepare the system required for the next election, which will be a mixed electoral system.

The Cabinet agreed that the reforms should be completed before the next election, he said, adding that Senaratne since the change in the electoral system is a key point in the 100 Days program, it should be implemented.

He also mentioned the new system will be a fair one and pledged that the government will ensure that no one is sidelined by the new system.

There was considerable debate on whether the new system could be implemented if elections are called on April 23 as promised. However, Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka told ‘The Nation’ newspaper recently that the government has the ability to implement the new system before the election.