Parliament is scheduled to discuss a draft law on the election this week, and our correspondent asked some MPs for their opinions.

D.Gankhuyag said a balanced version of majority and proportional structures is better for Mongolia, because political researchers prefer proportional voting. He said development opportunities have been lost due to small electoral districts. For example, cities in Mongolia have population density, traffic jams, garbage problems, and much stress. Seven out of every ten young people who graduate are unemployed. Health care is not good enough and some patients go abroad for diagnostics and treatment.  He said the 1992 election was held using the proportional structure, and it would not violate the Constitution.

S.Oyun said she thinks proportional representation could be right way. Money has played too large a role in elections. Under the proportional structure, skilled doctors, teachers, women, and youth who don’t have a lot of money could be elected to Parliament.

L.Gundalai said that the proportional structure would be right, and the riots of July 1, 2008, show that the majority system has not met expectations.

J.Enkhbayar said the MPP and DP caucuses are talking about organizing the election through parties or candidates. He thinks the majority system suits the present economic and territorial administration of Mongolia.

Ts.Shinebayar said he prefers a merged structure and thinks the parties should not waste time debating the number of seats. The most important thing is to organize a fair election.

Ts.Davaasuren said majority system is better than a merged one. Voters would rather vote for candidates, not for parties, and this structure should be kept. If proportional structure would be used, voters would simultaneously vote for parties and candidates. To vote for parties is not appropriate.