Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 1 / Trend A.Huseynbala /
Ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) Chairman Ali Ahmadov believes that there is no need to restore the proportional electoral system and increase the number of deputies in the country.
"The parliamentary election held under the majority system has justified itself, and therefore there is no need to restore a proportional electoral system," Ahmedov told Trend today.
Until 2000, Azerbaijan held mixed parliamentary elections using a proportional system. Following a referendum in 2002 on constitutional reforms, the proportional system was eliminated and the majority system installed.
The MP added that he does not consider proposals to increase the number of deputies reasonable, stating that the parliament is working efficiently.
"The parliament copes with its targets with the current number of members. So, there is no need for serious changes," Ahmadov said.
According to the MP, arguments that the number of deputies in Georgia and Armenia is higher than in Azerbaijan, despite a smaller population, are not convincing.
"Azerbaijan's budget exceeds the budget of these countries. I think it can not be a basis for solving any problem," he said. "I want to note once again that the MP corps is formed on productive performance of activities by the parliaments. I believe the Azerbaijani parliament performs its functions with dignity with the present composition."
Some MPs have proposed expanding the number of MPs to over 200. Currently, the parliament has 125 parliamentary seats.
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