S.Oyun: It is imperative to have next election under new law

MP S.Oyun answers our reporter’s questions on the election law.

Why is there no progress with the law drafts on the Parliament election?

We have talked for long but little concrete has been achieved. Parliament has not discussed any of the drafts in the last six months.

What would be the impact of the amendments on the election?

If they are approved, much will be altered in how political parties are formed and operate, affecting political stability, and in how election results are reached. It is crucial to hold the next election under new rules.

There can be no fair election if money is allowed to influence voting. We have to have discussions in Parliament without further delay, but the cards are held by the MPP and the DP, no matter what we say. We can only hope the big parties realize their duty to the nation.

Will the MPP and the DP agree to support a mixed election system of direct and proportional representation?

The mix is necessary to properly reflect the voters’ choice. For example, the CWP received 11% of votes in the last election but we have only one seat in Parliament. A little proportional element would be fair. Voters’ preference has not changed much but the final seat tally has fluctuated. The proportional structure would also somewhat neutralize the money factor. I hope voters will vote for ideology and not money.

There should be more women and younger people in Parliament even though they may not have much money. The proportional system could make this possible. But it is also important to reform the political parties.

D.Lundeejantsan has proposed 6% of votes as the cut-off margin to be considered for a seat in Parliament. Will this help small parties?

The MPP and DP want to protect their own interests and do not want smaller parties in Parliament. The cut-off percentage varies from country to country. It is 12% in Turkey and 7% in Russia. Some countries also do not have any minimum percentage. Mongolia has a small population so 100,000 votes for any party should give it a seat in Parliament.

What about the women’s quota?

I am all for it but I regret that my male colleagues see it as women trying to become their boss. How can society progress if MPs do not accept gender equality?

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