Political crisis indicates need for complex and conceptual democratic reforms, Vlad Plahotniuc

The current political crisis indicates the need for complex and conceptual democratic reforms, including the electoral system of Moldova. The statement was made by First Deputy Speaker of Moldova Vlad Plahotniuc during his meeting with Andrew Young, head of the USA National Democratic Institute office in Moldova. The main topic of discussions was the legislative initiative regarding the introduction of the uninominal voting system for electing the legislature, Info-Prim Neo learned from a press release of the Parliament’s press service. The First Deputy Speaker said that Moldova was a developing democracy, which is why various political blockages may occur. Reaching democratic maturity is the main challenge for our political class, thinks Vlad Plahotniuc. He values practical results more than theory. He noted that after 2009, Moldova witnessed a significant growth in freedom of expression, transparency in political processes, citizen’s participation in state problems and democracy was strengthened. However, the current political crisis indicates the need for complex and conceptual democratic reforms, including the electoral system of Moldova. “I submitted a draft law regarding the election of MPs in uninominal precincts, with two rounds of voting, in order to strengthen the link between MPs and their concrete voters and to increase the politicians’ direct responsibility before the people. I find the lack of such responsibility one of the sources of blockages in the general development of country”, explained Vlad Plahotniuc. According to the press release, Andrew Young was interested in this legislative initiative as he is familiar with the uninominal precinct system after winning elections while he was a British politician. He is also an expert who contributed to the development of political systems in Eastern Europe and knows their specifics. The NDI head in Moldova expressed his willingness to contribute to a most serious and large debate with politicians and experts about the uninominal election initiative. As deputy leader of the Democratic Party, Vlad Plahotniuc also spoke with Andrew Young about other opportunities NDI might provide as assistance for the development of Moldovan political system and parties.