Each electoral system has both advantages and disadvantages. Some of the politicians consider the Republic of Moldova is prepared for adopting a mixed electoral system, while others say they will not support its implementation now that the country faces a series of problems, such as the Transnistrian conflict, massive migration and poverty. The opinions were stated in the public debate “Conditions and specific features of Parliament’s spring-summer session” that was organized by IPN News Agency and Radio Moldova.
Socialist MP Vlad Batrancea said polls show the pro-European parties have a very low rating and these parties understand that they could remain without power after the next parliamentary elections. That’s why they aim to modify the electoral system, considering this the only chance. The leaders of these parties realize that their ratings will not enable them to enter Parliament and thus want to get rid of parties and come to power by uninominal vote.
The MP noted that many people actually support this idea by analogy with the mayoral and councilor elections. “If we choose the mayors, councilors, why shouldn’t we also choose an MP? It seems to them that this MP will come and repair the roads, but it’s clear that this is not so and an MP from a district will not come with millions of euros to repair the roads,” stated Vlad Batrancea. According to him, the electoral system can be modified, but not in the current conditions as Moldova experiences corruption-related problems and also the Transnistrian dispute. “How can we hold uninominal elections? This would mean that we recognize the independence and statehood of Transnistria,” he said.
The lawmaker also wondered how such elections can be held when over 1 million people are outside the country. “How can we organize constituencies for them?” asked Vlad Batrancea, noting that the rules cannot be changed during the game as this is incorrect.
Tudor Deliu, MP of the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova, said that today we cannot say if an electoral system is better or worse because each electoral system has its own advantages and disadvantages. “As regards the mixed system, I want to announce from the start that the Liberal-Democratic parliamentary group will not support this initiative if it is put to the vote in Parliament and the reasons are many in number,” he stated.
The Lib-Dem said this system is welcome in a unified state, while the Republic of Moldova has the breakaway Transnistrian region. “Until this problem is not solved and the situation concerning the diaspora and the creation of constituencies is not clear, we will not vote in favor,” he stated, noting that a mixed electoral system cannot be instituted as long as the poverty level is high as its implementation could facilitate the massive corruption of voters.
Democratic MP Valentina Buliga said Moldova declared its independence 25 years ago and has modified its Electoral Code for many times meanwhile. Foreign experts identified problems in different elections. Any change should be made as a result of broad discussions so as to determine the best electoral system for Moldova and the people from the country and the diaspora could unrestrictedly take part in elections to decide the faith of the future Parliament.
Liberal MP Lilian Carp said the Liberals are for keeping the current electoral system. No political system is perfect and they cannot prevent some from coming to power by dishonest ways. Political culture is needed to guarantee fair parliamentary elections, regardless of their type.
The public debate “Conditions and specific features of Parliament’s spring-summer session” is the 70th installment of the series of debates “Developing political culture by public debates” that are staged with support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation of Germany.
