The European Action Movement (MAE) on Saturday launched its campaign for the September 5 referendum, opting for the amendment of Art. 78 of the Constitution, that is, for the election of the president by direct popular vote. MAE leader Veaceslav Untila has told the party's assembly on Saturday that the campaign gives MAE the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the changing of the way of electing the president. “As a pro-European party we must promote what the people wants, and 70 percents of the people want to elect the head of state by a direct vote. The amendment of Art. 78 is a chance to give back this right to the people”, stated Anatol Petrencu, MAE senior vice-president. MAE Secretary Ion Neagu said that if the “democratic forces” managed to mobilize over 70 percent of the people to take part in the referendum, then it would be “a heavy blow” delivered to the Communists. The referendum would also be a rehearsal for the early parliamentary and possible presidential elections, he added.