New electoral law approved by the Senate
By Alena Skodova After three years of discussion and negotiations, a new electoral law was approved by the Senate on Thursday. Despite many reservations, the senators approved the law in a visible effort not to jeopardise the upcoming parliamentary elections, which are due to be held in May or June. 52 out of 74 senators present voted for a version which some say is slightly advantageous for the bigger parties. Senator Edvard Outrata, who represents the opposition Four Party Coalition in the upper house, explained what were the major changes in the new law:
Mr. Outrata thinks that coalitions in particular might have problems, and he also voiced his disapproval of the system under which Czechs living abroad will be able to vote: But will the new law be a standard one such as those used in other democracies - say in the rest of Europe?
