The recommendations of the Venice Commission about the electoral system reform in Moldova should be taken into account by the Moldovan authorities so that they later adopt a balanced decision, MEP Andi Cristea said in a news conference held after the fourth meeting of the EU – Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee on May 22, IPN reports.
Andi Cristea, who is the co-chairman of the EU – Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee on behalf of the European Parliament, said the European Union cannot take someone’s side in the issue concerning the modification of the Moldovan electoral system. The MEP spoke about the decision to delay the provision of €100 million in financial assistance to Moldova by the European Parliament, until the Venice Commission presents its appraisal of the bill to amend the Election Code. “I’m convinced that following the wise decisions that Chisinau will take after the Venice Commission gives its appraisal and publishes its decision, this important file of macro-financial assistance will not be delayed at the level of the European Union,” stated the MEP.
Moldovan MP Mihai Ghimpu, co-chairman of the EU – Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee on behalf of the Republic of Moldova, said the discussions on the proposals to amend the Election Code were stopped in Chisinau until the Venice Commission’s appraisal becomes available. “A decision about the modification will be taken then. Yes, we are a sovereign state, but we made particular commitments to the European Parliament. Not all things are done as someone wants. It depends on the available time, the preparedness of society and the discussions with civil society. We will see the appraisal of the Venice Commission. The recommendations should be broadly discussed with civil society and with extraparliamentary parties,” he stated.
The Venice Commission’s appraisal of the amendments to the electoral system of the Republic of Moldova, proposed by two parties, is to be published this June. The Democratic Party pleads for the introduction of the uninominal voting system, while the Party of Socialists promotes President Igor Dodon’s initiative to introduce the mixed-member electoral system. Both of the legislative initiatives were merged into a bill at the beginning of May.
