MPS COMMENT ON STATEMENTS ABOUT NEW ELECTORAL LAW

ZAGREB, Nov 28 (Hina) - Statements about the drawing up of a new electoral law, which would reduce the number of parliamentary seats and constituencies, increase the number of minority representatives, limit the Diaspora's right to vote and introduce so-called open lists, have met with different reactions of opposition deputies. While Vladimir Seks (Croatian Democratic Union, HDZ) and Damir Kajin (Istrian Democratic Assembly, IDS) oppose most suggestions presented in a public debate, Anto Djapic of the Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) says most of the suggestions are acceptable. A suggestion has been made a public debate, and the chairman of the parliamentary Committee on the Constitution, Rule Book and the Political System Mato Arlovic supported it, that the new electoral law grant the right to vote only to those Croatian citizens who have permanent residence in Croatia for at least a year. The right to vote cannot be granted partially, said Djapic, stressing this was a matter of principle for his party, although it did not have deputies from the Diaspora. Djapic strongly opposed statements about the introduction of more minority seats, stressing the current number was sufficient and suggesting that it be reduced. Vladimir Seks believes the current electoral law is good and does not have to be changed. "What lies behind the change of the electoral law is only a utopian idea of the ruling coalition that changing the electoral law and the law on constituencies will help them save their ruling positions," said Seks. He, too, opposes making the right to vote conditional on residence. He described as very interesting the introduction of open lists, stressing one should conduct an opinion poll about that proposal. "A country which changes its electoral law before every election has no prospects at all and such practice is challenging the basic democratic achievements," Damir Kajin of the IDS said. He stressed he was advocating direct election of all parliamentary deputies, local councillors and members of local governments. He particularly opposed plans about a single constituency on the national level, which, in a highly centralised Croatia and following the dissolution of the House of Counties, would annul any regional differences. Kajin believes it is almost certain the strongest party in the ruling coalition would enforce the new electoral model and he would not be surprised if the strangest coalitions were formed after the election. (hina) sb rml