The bill to modify the electoral system was drafted based on the recommendations made by the Venice Commission. The opportuneness of changing the electoral system was the only element discussed and the people’s opinion was taken into account here, Vitalie Gamurari, spokesman for the Democratic Party of Moldova, stated in the public debate: “Relations between Moldova and foreign partners following adoption of mixed electoral system” that was held by IPN News Agency.
Vitalie Gamurari reminded that the PDM collected 850,000 signatures from people who were for introducing the uninominal voting system. The mixed-member electoral system was the result of a dialogue and a compromise reached in Parliament, while the rule of democracy says the legislature has the right to pronounce on this.
The party’s spokesman noted the proposal to change the electoral system was submitted by the PDM and also by others in 2013 and was supported also by the extraparliamentary parties and by representatives of civil society. When the proposal was drafted, all the procedures were respected and unprecedentedly broad debates were staged.
According to him, the relations between Moldova and the development partners haven’t worsened, but there is probably a break or a small misunderstanding in them. The PDM wants a dialogue with the development partners to explain how things stand in fact and the relations will definitely improve since autumn.
Vitalie Gamurari considers the EU could impose a particular sanction against Moldova only if definite provisions are violated, not political provisions about which they speak as the statements of particular European officials are political statements, of political parties. This is not the position of the European Parliament.
According to him, the advantages that Moldova enjoys now from the EU, such as the visa-free regime and the macro-financial assistance, are regulated and are technical and juridical in character and can be discussed. Changing the electoral system is the sovereign right of the Republic of Moldova, which should take into account all the recommendations that were discussed, at least those formulated by the Venice Commission.
The PDM’s spokesman said the reformation of the systems in Moldova in accordance with the EU practices and standards should start with the modification of the political class. “Everything is done in the interests of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova because they are well informed and we consider they will penalize the parties in the parliamentary elections if these deserve,” stated Vitalie Gamurari.
The public debate “Relations between Moldova and foreign partners following adoption of mixed electoral system” was the 75th installment of the series of debates “Developing political culture by public debates” that was organized with support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation of Germany.
