Liberal MPs said that by the initiative by which the electoral system is modified, the Democratic Party (PDM) aims to obtain more seats in the legislative elections of this year, IPN reports.
The leader of the Liberal Party (PL) Mihai Ghimpu told a news conference that the bill provides for the introduction of the joint vote under which 51 of the 101 MPs are chosen according to party lists, as now, while the other 50 MPs – in uninominal constituencies, by one in every constituency. “The PL is not against this system. But the bill allows the PDM to get thrice more seats in the districts where it enjoys more support. For example, in Chisinau the Democrats do not have support and have only one councilor. Thus, the number of constituencies here was reduced,” he stated.
MP Valeriu Munteanu said the electoral rolls of 2010 contain 2.8 million voters. If this figure is divided by 50 constituencies, it is evident that one constituency must include 56,000 voters, plus-minus 1,000 voters. The PDM’s bill provides that there will be only seven electoral districts in Chisinau municipality – seven in the city and one for all the suburbs. “In the suburbs, there are 112,000 voters and there will be only one constituency and one seat. In Gagauzia, where the PDM has a majority, there are also 112,000 voters, but there will be three consciences,” he said.
In Ialoveni district, there are 78,000 voters. There will be two constituencies for 36,000 voters each in this district. “For the Moldovan voters abroad, where the PDM does not enjoy great support, there will be established one constituency for 300,000 people with the right to vote. If calculating correctly, 11 electoral districts should be set up in Chisinau and two in Gagauzia,” stated Valeriu Munteanu.
Corina Fusu said the PL prepared a petition with the relevant arguments, which will be sent to the Council of Europe, the Venice Commission and the embassies working in Chisinau. “We consider that this system is harmful to Moldova, where democracy is still weak,” she said.
The current, party-based electoral system has been applied since 1994. The bill providing for the modification of the system hasn’t been yet registered in Parliament, but Speaker Igor Corman submitted it to the Venice Commission for appraisal.
