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GYLA positively assesses the amendments to the Constitution and calls on the Parliament to continue reforming electoral legislation

2020-06-29 13:08
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Today, the supreme legislative body approved the draft amendments according to which the 2020 parliamentary elections will be held by the rules which are different from existing ones so far. According to the new regulation, 120 MPs will be elected proportionally and 30 by majoritarian rules. GYLA believes that the best solution would be to abolish the majoritarian part completely, but, given the current political context, as well as the March 8th consensus, it welcomes and supports the change. We appreciate and commend the contribution of those involved in this process, from the creation of the negotiation format by the international facilitators to the voting.

According to GYLA, although the new constitutional provisions set the boundaries between majoritarian electoral districts in violation of international standards and the above-mentioned agreement, this decision of the parliament is an important step forward on the path to a fair electoral system.

We would also like to note that after these amendments are made, it is necessary to take steps to improve the electoral legislation, such as: the introduction of effective mechanisms prohibiting the control of the will of the electorate; fair gender quotas and professional election administration which is staffed based on the political consensus.