The Democratic Party (PDM) said it took cognizance of President Igor Dodon’s proposal to introduce the mixed electoral system. In a press release, the party notes what the Socialists do now is a political trick and an attempt to hamper the introduction of the uninominal voting system and to divert the society’s attention to something else so as to create confusion, IPN reports.
“We want, first of all, to express our regret at the fact that the President and the PSRM didn’t consider it necessary to have a constructive dialogue on the issue until now. They proposed an initiative only when they realized there are the votes needed to replace the current electoral system and there is consensus in society on this subject,” said the party.
The PDM considers only the uninominal voting system can offer the people full control over the MPs. It notes that during over a month, broad debates have been staged in society on the uninominal voting system, based on the parliamentary platform, and these involved representative categories of society. There was also conducted a campaign to inform the population, both through the mass media and through door -to-door campaigns. “We will discuss with all the parties interested in an open dialogue. We want a broader political consensus on the replacement of the electoral system to exist, but we firstly want a broad consensus in society and respect for the wish of the largest part of the people, from which we started our initiative,” it is said in the press release.
The Party of Socialists (PSRM) also issued a press release, saying it took notice of the President’s initiative and reiterates its position on the inadmissibility of the uninominal voting system proposed by the Democratic leader Vlad Plahotniuc and the current government. “Today, after the President made statements, the administration of the PSRM was convened immediately. The President’s initiative will be debated with the party’s administration and society will soon know the PSRM’s position on the mixed electoral system,” said the Socialists.
On April 18, President Igor Dodon proposed introducing the mixed electoral system according to which half of the MPs will be chosen based on party lists, while the other half by constituencies. He noted he will not allow the uninominal voting system proposed by the Democratic Party led by Vlad Plahotniuc to be implemented in Moldova.
