The mixed-member electoral system should be applied not earlier than in the 2022 parliamentary elections, consider experts of Promo-LEX Association who carried out a study of the effects of the implementation of this system in single-member constituencies within the boundaries set recently, IPN reports.

According to the study, the calculation method used to establish the constituencies is not clear. The law provides that the number of voters in a single-member constituency should range between 55,000 and 60,000, with a deviation of 10% between constituencies. However, 15 to 30 constituencies were established in breach of this law, with deviations higher than 10%.

The cases of use of administrative resources in the election campaign are not clearly regulated. When particular mayors and district councilors are affiliated to parliamentary parties, these could give their support to specific candidates for MP. There is a risk that these will “help” their party colleagues by using the available administrative resources and instruments.

Under the law, the members of district electoral councils are proposed by judges, district councils and the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia and by political parties. As the constituencies consist of a number of communities, it is not clear which district council of those included in the constituency can field candidates for district electoral councils. The same situation can be experienced in the case of judges.

Promo-LEX recommends implementing the mixed system only after the shortcomings concerning the establishment of constituencies, the opportunity of using administrative resources for elections, fielding of candidates for district electoral councils and local powers to solve electoral disputes on the territory of single-member constituencies are eliminated.