The vote on the proposal to introduce the mixed-member electoral system in Parliament was held amid two demonstrations, one in support of the system and another one against it. The two camps were separated by police cordons to avoid alterations. The supporters scattered immediately after the draft law was adopted in the final reading, while the protesters continued to demonstrate until after midday and marched to the Presidential Building to demand that the President should not promulgate the law, IPN reports.

The demonstrators gathered together near the Parliament Building before the start of the plenary sitting. The supporters were allowed to come closer to the building, while the protesters were stopped closer to the street. At nearly 10am, Democratic MP Sergiu Sarbu went out before the crowd of supporters organized by the Association “Faith to the Homeland” and confrmed that the law will be put to the vote.

Meanwhile, in a press briefing inside the Parliament Building the Liberals said they will not support the proposal as this is the last blow given to democracy in Moldova. At the plenary sitting, the Communists also said they would not vote.

The electoral system change was passed by the votes of 74 MPs. When it became known that the proposal was adopted, PPDA leader Andrei Nastase tried to enter the Parliament Building, but was prevented by the police. The protesters of the two camps splashed each other with water and the police had to intervene.

Shortly after the proposal was passed in Parliament, the supporters of the mixed electoral system stopped the demonstration and left. The protest mounted by extraparliamentary parties was joined by Communist and Liberal MPs who left the assembly hall. At the Presidential Building, to which the protesters went later, these demanded that the President should go out to talk to them, but Igor Dodon didn’t come out. After about one more hour, the protest was suspended until twelve noon on July 21.

The legislative body’s press service issued a press release whereby all those who took part in the debates to improve the draft law were thanked for participation. According to Speaker Andrian Candu, a compromise was reached in Parliament as the proportional system was kept for half of the MPs and single-mandate constituencies will be created to choose the other 51 MPs. “The next elections will be held according to a new system. It is a new start for the country. We delivered the promise made to the people in time by most of the parties that won elections by promoting the mixed-member electoral system,” stated Candu. He noted that everyone has the right to protest, but the protests should be held in accordance with the law. “We have a law that enables to protest and norms that regulate the organization of protests. I regret the behavior of Andrei Nastase and all those who protested aggressively, angry because the people didn’t respond to their invitation. I regret and condemn any aggressive behavior.”