RIGA, May 31 (LETA) - While deciding on draft amendments to the Law on Administrative Territories and Populated Areas, a majority of Saeima members on Monday ignored the Constitutional Court's ruling and voted to merge Varaklani with the Rezekne region. 

However, to adopt the proposal, the parliament still has to vote on the whole bill. 

The proposal was submitted by MPs Edmunds Teirumnieks (National Alliance), Janina Kursite, Janina Kursite-Pakule (National Alliance), Juris Rancans (New Conservative Party) Andris Kazinovskis and Janis Tutins (Harmony). They proposed to include the municipalities of Murmastiene and Varaklani, as well as Varaklani town into the Rezekne region. 

During the debate on the issue, lawmakers voiced differing opinions as to whether it was acceptable to vote against the Constitutional Court's decision. 

Earlier today, the Saeima had endorsed the merger of Varaklani with the Madona region. 

As reported, the Constitutional Court last Friday, May 28, ruled the plan to merge the Varaklani region with the Rezekne region unconstitutional.