Vladimir Turcan suggests method for electing Moldova's president

Vladimir Turcan, the leader of the United Moldova Party, submitted a legislative initiative concerning the modification of the procedure for electing the head of state to all the parliamentary groups. He proposes avoiding holding a referendum to identify the method for electing the president and avoiding modifying the Constitution of Moldova. To begin to be used, Turcan's bill must be accepted by at least 67 of the 101 MPs, Info-Prim Neo reports. In a news conference on Thursday, Vladimir Turcan said he proposes holding three rounds of presidential elections. During the first two attempts, the head of state must be elected by the vote of 61 MPs, while during the third – by the vote of 52 MPs. Turcan said this is a constitutional bill that needs to be approved by the Constitutional Court during six months. Before presented to the Court, it must be accepted by 34 MPs. After approved by the Court, the bill will have to be adopted by the vote of 67 MPs. The leader of the United Moldova Party said the bill will not have the same effect if it is not approved by the Communist MPs. “As far as I know, they are ready to accept it on certain conditions. Until then, they have time to meditate. I hope the reason will triumph and all the 101 MPs will vote in favor of it,” Turcan said. Turcan stressed the scheme he worked out is valid for the future Parliament that could be constituted after possible early legislative elections this autumn. He does not agree with the proposals formulated by the constitutional reform commission set up by presidential decree. He said the plans to amend the Constitution are electoral in character, while a referendum will cost a lot of money. Vladimir Turcan also said he presented the bill to the President of the Venice Commission Gianni Buquicchio, while he was in Moldova on a visit earlier this month.