While a protest against the change in the electoral system was mounted in front of the Parliament Building in Chisinau on June 11, organized by civil society, local civil society staged demonstrations in support of the mixed-member electoral system in Ialoveni, Cahul and Edinet. The mayors of the three towns, representatives of nongovernmental organizations and MPs of the Democratic Party informed the demonstrators about the advantages of the electoral system change. Later, the protesters could see a festive concert that featured national stars, IPN reports.
Attending the event in Ialoveni, Democratic MP Sergiu Sarbu said that even if the uninominal voting system is more beneficial to society, the mixed-member electoral system was accepted as a compromise solution for a period. “We are firmly convinced that this proposal will help modernize the political class and the MPs will regain people’s confidence. We are ready to take into account the recommendations of our foreign partners so as to improve the bill and propose a very good draft law in the second reading,” he stated.
On the same stage in Ialoveni, Minister of Culture Monica Babuc said the mixed-member electoral system is a first step towards the uninominal voting system and, after the 2018 parliamentary elections, everyone will see that the electoral system change was beneficial.
According to the organizers, the demonstration in Edinet was staged by the local NGO “Open Heart” whose chairman Alexandru Mansurov said the mixed electoral system will help the people prevent irresponsible and heartless people from coming to power.
The head of Edinet district Iurie Garas stated that the will of the people and the way in which this will is supported by politicians are essential for a powerful society and a prosperous state.
Democratic MP Elena Bacalu noted that Moldova needs a reform in politics, while the introduction of the mixed-member electoral system would be a serious reform of the political class and the Democratic Party supports this reform. “Here, in Cahul, you came to support not a party, but a good idea for Moldova. We think the people should have more political power and their voice should be heard. We consider changes are necessary,” stated Elena Bacalu.
The police said the events in Edinet, Cahul and Ialoveni took place peacefully and involved 8,000, 7,000 and, respectively, 7,000 people.
