Thousands in Moldova protest oligarch’s plan to change electoral system

Protesters chanted “Down with Plahotniuc,” “Down with the thieves” and “We are the people,” demanding immediate withdrawal of the bills providing for changes in the electoral system.

According to the protesters, if the plan to amend the electoral system is not withdrawn from the Parliament, more protests will follow.

Recall that on May 5 the deputies of the parties of oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc and President Igor Dodon approved, on the first reading, a bill to amend the electoral system (single-mandate vote and mixed ballot), without waiting for the conclusion of the recommendations of the Venice Commission.

The decision by deputies of the Democratic Party (PDM) and Socialist Party (MDBGS) angered the opposition and civil society, who took to the streets to protest, and promised large-scale actions if the plan to change the electoral system is not withdrawn.

Despite the protests and possible negative opinion of the Venice Commission, the deputy chairman of the Democratic Party, speaker of Parliament and ally of oligarch Plahotniuc, Andrian Candu, and President Igor Dodon said that they will continue to press for changes in the electoral system.

According to experts, the parties of Plahotniuc and Dodon need to change the electoral system in order to remain in power, as the current proportional system does not guarantee them a monopoly.

Source

Police state: Interior Ministry prevents participation in civil protest against changes to the electoral system

June 11: All over the country, police have been blocking the movement of any vehicles bound for Chisinau on a day of civil protest against the conspiracy of Dodon and Plahotniuc to change the electoral system.

Photo: OMG.md

According to numerous reports on social media, under threat of dismissal or withdrawal of licenses, drivers of the regional transportation services have been forewarned about the “undesirability” of buses traveling to Chisinau. The movement of vehicular traffic from Criuleni and Straseni to Chisinau was blocked by the police. This is the situation in most areas.

Another method to prevent the gathering of disgruntled people in Chisinau came through the centralized orders given by the Democratic Party to mayors of villages and towns to order staff of local agencies, schools and state-owned enterprises to attend rallies in support of the authorities in regional cities. So, from the southern districts people were brought to Cahul, from the central – to Ialoveni, from the north – to Edinet. Each bus “in support of the authorities” is accompanied by a police officer.

At the same time, additional police forces were brought into Chisinau. All forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are on alert.

The police “checked the documents” of all drivers of vehicles entering Chisinau carrying people to protest. …

Translated by Greg Butterfield