In light of recent developments it’s almost ironic that the Central Committee of Parliament is set to continue the adjourned meeting with political scientist Julio Romney on electoral reform. Among the main goals of his draft ordinance
is to combat the phenomenon whereby parliamentarians once in office can break with their party’s fraction to help bring about changes in government, despite the fact that they did not earn the seat based on personal, so-called preferential, votes.
As known, the William Marlin Cabinet committed to electoral reform. A committee has been established to work on that, be it that the current plans differ a bit from what Romney is proposing.
The feeling seems to be that one doesn’t need to change the Constitution, which would require a two-thirds majority in the legislature. There is still some discussion whether that is actually true, but in the short term it may become a moot point.
After all, the coalition at the moment no longer has minimal majority backing, because one of two independent members often referred to as “ship-jumpers” supporting it is being held. Depending on what happens next, this could make actually achieving electoral reform before the September 26 elections even more difficult.
Should the representative concerned, Silvio Matser, officially be placed in pre-trial detention, this would lead to his suspension and temporary replacement by a deputy. However, that person presumably is to come from the party on whose candidate list Matser originally was elected.
In this case it regards UP, which is currently in the opposition. That could in turn lead to a new majority and yet another change in government, just months before citizens are supposed to head back to the polls.
Again, much depends on the developments to follow, but – under the circumstances – when it comes to electoral reform, people should not be holding their breath.
