President Igor Dodon reacted to the initiative to introduce the uninominal voting system instead of the party-list proportional representation system that was presented by the Democratic Party’s administration. On his Facebook webpage, Igor Dodon wrote that this initiative is inacceptable. “It has been known about the Democrats’ intention to impose such a voting system. But I declare with overall responsibility that they will remain only with the wish. The uninominal voting system will not be instituted. This initiative is a challenge against the democratic foundations of the state, as these were laid after the declaration of independence,” he wrote.
The Head of State said he will categorically oppose this reform that, according to him, destroys the party-based system of Moldova. He is convinced that the Socialist parliamentary group will be against this bill if it is submitted to Parliament, IPN reports.
“I want to be understood correctly. I think the electoral system should provide a more efficient mechanism for selecting MPs and forming the political class, but not in the way proposed by the PDM, not by destroying parties and controlling elections. My opinion is that we should suggest several essential changes that are really necessary, without changing the basis of the current electoral system” stated Igor Dodon.
The President’s suggestions include the establishment of a larger number of polling places abroad, inclusion of the voters from the diaspora in the main electoral registers and the more active involvement of the inhabitants from the left bank of the Nistru. “Let’s open polling places in Transnistria and enable those who are there to run for seats in Moldova’s Parliament. Without the involvement of the citizens from Transnistria, our Parliament cannot be integral in terms of representation at national level. If we want to reunify the country, we must be open politically and electorally,” said the Head of State.
He also proposes reducing the number of seats of MP from 101 to 71. Igor Dodon said time has come to review the numerical composition of the legislature because there are too many MPs for such a small country that is demographically poor.
In conclusion, Igor Dodon noted that the electoral system should be reformed, but not in the way proposed by the PDM, which is not by replacing it fully.
