MP E.Bat-Uul answers our journalist’s questions on recent developments related to the election law.

What did the Standing Committee on State Structure have to say when it discussed the draft law on election?
My impression is that both the DP and the MPP favor a mixed system. The present system of election through majority in every constituency has to be changed but oligarchs do not really want new political forces to be in Parliament.

How many electoral districts will there be?
The working group favored having 26 members directly elected, and 50 more to be chosen by the proportional method. However, these 50 cannot come through a purely proportional method, as the Constitution indicates that individuals, and not political parties, would be elected. So it could be 50:26 or 38:38.

Does this mean we would not vote for political parties?
We shall vote for their nominees as offered in a list.
 
Why should we have fewer members directly elected?
The smaller parties feel the proportional system will help them more and so want fewer members to win by direct majority voting.

Where will independent candidates stand in this mixed structure?
They cannot be elected from the proportional constituencies as voting will be nationwide for these.

What about the women’s quota if the proportional system is adopted?
The parties will have to name women candidates in their list.

You favor two chambers in Parliament. Will we see this in the 2012 election?
I personally am absolutely convinced of the need for this, but a decision has to be taken only after careful discussion and study which will take time. We must also see what people think about it. Everything has to be done under the Constitution. I don’t think there will be any change before the next election because political parties are more interested in the draft law than in the number of chambers of parliament.

What are the advantages of Parliament having two chambers?
Adoption of state policy and legislation can be kept separate. The job of legislating should be with the lower chamber, while the upper one should be responsible for governance, including appointments of Supreme Court members and other senior officials who actually manage the country’s affairs.