The right to change their names remains with the women - Kumar

Minister for Education, Premila Kumar says the Electoral Registration of Voters Amendment Bill is not only for the ruling political party but for every eligible voter regardless of their gender, ethnicity, colour or class.

She says we still have women who do not wish to change their surnames or use their husband’s surname solely based on their marriage.

Kumar also clarified that people do not have to spend money to change their name as people will not have to hire a private lawyer.

Parliament has passed the Electoral Registration of Voters Amendment Bill which now requires the application for registration as a voter to state the person’s full name as specified on his or her birth certificate and to also be accompanied by his or her birth certificate.