IDIS Analysis: Effects of changing the electoral system in Moldova

Discussions on the need to change the electoral system in the Republic of Moldova have created controversy among the governing parties. In the analysis "Effects of changing the electoral system in Moldova", the IDIS expert, Leonid Litra explains the benefits and weaknesses of the electoral system change. The work is funded by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

Most references were made by the LDPM leader, Vlad Filat, advocating for a mixed electoral system, in which half the deputies would be elected on single-member constituencies and others on party lists. Unli¬ke the LDPM, the DP coalition colleagues, and especially Vlad Plahotniuc support another model - transition to an absolute uninominal electoral system that provides for the election of deputies exclusively in single-member con¬stituencies, with elections in two rounds, if none of the candidates accumulates in the first round 50% + 1 of the vote, is presented in the study.

 “Here it would be appropriate to say that the representation of regional interests under a uninominal system is very difficult. The multitude of members of parliament with different connections and even without membership in some political forces will create an intra-institutional imbalance that will be manifested by each member intention of promoting micro-projects, which usually should be the responsibility of the local government. Thus, the more likely that a parliament composed after an election with uninominal system will be less operational than the one formed on the basis of a proportional representation  election, and therefore we may be witnesses of trivialization of debates within parliament”, explains Leonid Litra.

In author’s opinion, one of the arguments that favor the adoption of a uninominal voting system remains Transnistria. “The current feeling is that politicians do not wish the inclusion of Tansnistria until the reintegration takes place; however, such a step would accelerate the reintegration process. One of the scenarios that may be applied is as follows: two members in each district (32x2 = 64), 18 from Chisinau, 8 from Balti and 11 from Transnistria. What is required is that the electoral constituencies to be created to meet the above algorithm”, argues the expert his opinion.

The author also thinks that the electoral system change is essentially carried out to the detriment of opposition and the AIE parties will be advantaged by the new system, not to mention the fact that the quality of parliament and its debates could be affected. Nevertheless, the change of the system is rational in order to accelerate the country’s reintegration process and to include the representatives from the eastern districts into the political life of the Republic of Moldova.

Download the policy brief at:
http://www.viitorul.org/doc.php?l=en&id=3784&idc=295

For more information contact the Public Relations Coordinator, Diana Lungu on telephone 221 844 or by  e-mail diana.lungu@viitorul.org