SJB Draws Battle Lines: Demands Open Vote for Mayors, Threatens Disciplinary Action
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is tightening internal discipline as it takes a firm stand against backroom political deals during the formation of local government bodies without a clear majority. In a bold move, the party has announced it will demand open voting in all council sessions where mayors or chairpersons are to be elected, directly challenging attempts by the government to manipulate results through secret ballots.
According to party sources, official letters are being dispatched to all local government members, reminding them that disciplinary action will be taken against anyone who defies party directives. The key issue? Whether the vote to elect heads of local bodies will be conducted openly or in secret.
The SJB is insisting on a show of hands to ensure transparency, arguing that secret ballots allow the government to “buy” opposition support and subvert the true mandate. The ruling party is said to be pushing for secret voting precisely to court cross-party defections, a tactic the SJB is now aggressively moving to block.
In addition to this demand, the SJB has instructed all its members to vote exclusively for the party’s officially nominated candidates for mayor or chairperson positions. Failure to comply, the party warns, will trigger internal disciplinary investigations.
This latest maneuver underscores growing tensions at the grassroots political level, as both government and opposition scramble to control local councils where no single party holds an outright majority.
With open voting becoming a litmus test for party loyalty and democratic integrity, the SJB is sending a clear message: defections will be exposed, and consequences will follow.
