Moldovan parliament speaker condemns violence, thanks opponents for civic spirit

Chisinau, 20 July /MOLDPRES/ - I thank everybody who have got involved, no matter whether they backed or not the draft on the change of the electoral system. Also, we welcome the involvement of the international partners and civil society for the improvement of the draft, Parliament Speaker Andrian Candu said today, following the approval of the draft which established the mixed electoral system with 74 votes for, the parliament’s communication and public relations department has reported.    

According to Candu, the parliament reached a compromise, as the proportional system was preserved for a half of the MPs and uninominal districts were created for the election of another 51 lawmakers.  “The next voting exercise will take place under a new system; this is a new beginning for the country. We have fulfilled the promise made during years to people by most parties, which committed and won elections through the promotion of the mixed voting system,” Candu also said.     

At the same time, Andrian Candu reminded that everybody has right to protest, but the protest must be carried out in a legal framework. “We have law which allows protest, as well as norms which regulate how the protest is organized. I regret the behavior of Andrei Nastase and of all those who demonstrated aggressively, angry with people for having not responded to their invitation. I regret and condemn any aggressive behavior,” the parliament speaker said.     

Andrian Candu also reminded about the democratic rules, which imply respect for the opinions of the opponents, tolerance and do not allow violence and aggressiveness.

Today, the parliament backed the change of the electoral system with 74 votes for. The backers and opponents of the draft law organized rallies outside the parliament building on this occasion. It is worth mentioning that the draft which introduces the mixed electoral system was considered by experts of the Venice Commission and subjected to public discussions, including on parliamentary platform.