PiS hopes mixed-representation compromise will usher in early elections

Law and Justice (PiS) reacted immediately by submitting its bill on a mixed system of representation from the previous parliamentary term of office, according to which 50% of MPs would be elected in single-mandate constituencies, whereas the other 50% in proportional-mandate ones. PO calls for 75% single-mandate constituencies, but sees some room for compromise. PiS is urging the parliament to accept a new voting law between April 4 and April 7 so that the resolution can be adopted about the dissolution of the parliament and early elections can be set already in May. PO is skeptical about such a hurry as it might interrupt the visit of the Pope Benedict the XVI in Poland in May this year and proposes autumn. Some members of this party suggest waiting even longer - until support for PiS falls as low as 15%. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A1, A2, A3) J.L.