The mixed-member electoral system passed by the votes of 74 MPs on July 20 caused contradictory discussions among Moldovan politicians. Some consider the new system will ensure better ties between voters and MPs, while others believe this will close many doors in Brussels for the Republic of Moldova, IPN reports.
In the program “Fabrika” on Publika TV channel, the leader of the European People’s Group in Parliament Valeriu Giletski said he does not deny the fact that the new system could cause particular consequences of political order, but the politicians can overcome the problems by communication. “A change was made in the Election Code and we will see in time how much this can improve the political class. As long as there are rules and equal conditions for all the political players, I see no problem related to the next election campaign,” he stated, noting that a part of the politicians opposed the electoral system change because they do not have suitable candidates in elections.
Democratic MP Valentina Buliga said the vote held in Parliament on July 20 represented the wish of the Moldovan people not of the 74 MPs and this was confirmed by the presence of thousands of supporters of this initiative. “The new system that successfully passed through Parliament and was supported by 74 MPs creates a better connection between citizens and MPs,” she stated.
Democratic MP Sergiu Sarbu said the new electoral system offers more advantages to people, including rapprochement with voters, direct election of known candidates and their responsibility before voters. Also, the parties that will field candidates in constituencies will have to attentively pick these.
On the other hand, deputy head of the Liberal Party Valeriu Munteanu said the reactions in Brussels after this shower given to democracy in the Republic of Moldova shows that Moldova is on the verge of a precipice. “Those from Brussels are not fools and clearly understand things,” stated the politician.
Valeriu Munteanu noted there is a long path until the elections of 2018 and the July 20 vote in Parliament undermined Moldova’s chances to fully use the opportunities provided by the Europeans because there will be repercussions when the number of doors closed in Brussels will be higher than that of doors opened in Moscow.
On July 20, Parliament passed in the final reading the bill to amend the Election Code whereby the party-list proportional representation system is replaced by the mixed-member system under which half of the MPs will be chosen based on party lists, while the other half in single-member constituencies.
