Civil society organizations that are against the modification of the electoral system call on Parliament to fully abide by the opinion of the Venice Commission and give up the change as this runs counter to the European requirements and democratic norms. In a news conference at IPN, representatives of civil society said they are waiting for the Venice Commission’s opinion about the bills to change the electoral systems proposed by the Socialists and the Democrats. The NGOs reserve the right to resume the protests if the parliamentary majority, together with Igor Dodon, insists on the modification of the electoral system and do not take into account the Commission’s recommendations.
Igor Botan, executive director of the Association for Participatory Democracy, said it is not clear why a system supported by 35% of the people is to be replaced by a system that is supported by only 17% of the people. “If the people are informed that their salary with which they are satisfied will be reduced two times, I would like to see the reaction of the people. The situation with the electoral system is exactly the same. The authorities tell us that only 35% support the current electoral system and change it with a system supported by only 17%. The question is: where is the common sense?” asked Igor Botan.
Vladislav Gribincea, director of the Legal Resources Center, said that in the most recent protest mounted on June 11, the authorities created again impediments. For example, a number of minibus and bus routes to Chisinau were cancelled. Also, while the people protested against the change in the electoral system, the Democratic Party staged in parallel concerts, applauding these initiatives. But the proposal is actually a bad idea that endangers democracy in the state and no matter who its author is, it is the duty of civil society to oppose and the NGOs must not be politically affiliated.
Transparency International Moldova president Lilia Carasciuc said the rulers manipulated the public opinion, including by saying that when the electoral system is changed, the people will be able to withdraw the MPs elected by them, but this provision was annulled.
Oazu Nantoi, programs director at the Institute for Public Policy, said the Democratic Party has no chance to remain in power if the current electoral system is kept. The politicians tried to simulate a consensus, but the change is actually aimed at establishing bandit-like authoritarian systems. Society should be vigilant, should not remain indifferent and should mobilize.
Expert Sergiu Tofilat said society is not afraid of the current government and will keep the right to protest peacefully so as to make itself heard. He voiced hope that the rulers will take into account the Venice Commission’s opinion and will improve the legal provisions on party funding and will introduce penalties for parties that resort to acts of corruption. Civil society reserves the right to protest and to make use of other legal instruments to prevent the government from changing the electoral system.
