Protest against change of electoral system held in Moldovan capital

Chisinau, 17 September /MOLDPRES/ - Representatives of the civil society and opposition parties today participated in a new protest held outside the parliament against the change of the electoral system.

The protest was backed by more political parties, among which the Dignity and Truth Platform Party (PPDA) and Action and Solidarity Party (PAS). More political leaders and civic activists spoke to protesters and brought arguments against the mixed electoral system.  

‘’We have returned to street to defend the democracy, to defend our right to vote, in order to change this governance by peaceful means. As never before since the declaration of Independence, Moldova is in danger. One party has usurped the whole power in state and shared it with the Socialists.  Their governance means despotism, nepotism, poverty, lie. This governance does not represent us, our voice must be heard,’’ PAS leader Maia Sandu said.   

‘’We do not yield and move forward, as we need changes and integral people at the head of the country. The protests should continue,’’ PPDA leader Andrei Nastase said.  

In the end of the action, the protesters voted a resolution which they said that they would submit to the EU Representation in Moldova. The resolution contains arguments by the civil society and protesters against the change of the electoral system. Subsequently, the protesters will picket the Teleradio-Moldova public institution.

A similar protest, organized by the parliamentary opposition parties, took place in late last July. People showed discontent with the fact that the parliament on 20 July 2017 adopted the draft law on the change of the electoral system. Seventy four MPs voted for the mixed system. The document sees that 51 lawmakers will be elected on party lists and 50 based on the uninominal voting. The draft was changed in line with proposals by the Venice Commission and subjected to more public discussions.

(Reporter A. Zara, editor A. Raileanu)