[EDITORIAL] Why a 20-seat Cosa makes sense

Right now, the lower house of the Talossan Ziu comprises 200 seats apportioned between parties based on the most recent election results. The first thing that is striking is that the Kingdom doesn't even have 200 citizens, let alone ones willing to become legislators. At the time of writing we have a grand total of 160 individuals in possession of the Best Thing Money Can't Buy. This is the first thing that makes the choice of 200 seats seem a trifle odd.

It hasn't always been this way. The original wording of the relevant section of the 1997 Organic Law was, in fact:

The Cosâ is composed of 20 seats, apportioned among the parties in proportion to the popular vote cast for parties in the last election (abstentions, spoilt ballots, non-votes and votes for parties which did not register being omitted from this count so that all who actually vote for parties comprise 100% of the total "popular vote" for this purpose).

Having a legislature of 20 seats would solve the quirk (some would say absurdity) of Talossan politics that individual Members of the Cosa hold varying amounts of "seats" in that body. Is there a reason why we should not be honest with ourselves?

Would there be enough members to fill such a house? A quick look at the current composition of the Cosa shows a little over twenty members. There have been fewer at times. Our current population levels and the average amount of legislators leave us with certainly enough people to allow a "one Member, one vote system".

It is Mormoglhen's firm belief that this reform, in addition to a formalized party-list system will make our elections more democratic and more competitive.

And if that is too much, maybe a 100 seat Cosa?