Moldovans Show Public Anger at Proposals to Change Electoral System

At least 200 Moldovans in the country’s capital city, Chisinau, chanted slogans and held up signs outside its parliament on May 7, in protest over proposed changes to the country’s electoral system.“Down with the government!” and “We don’t want to replace the voting system, we want to replace you!” are some of the chants that can be heard in this video.Those who gathered wanted the withdrawal of proposals from Moldova’s Democratic and Socialist parties that were voted on in parliament on May 5. One proposal seeks to introduce a uninominal system, while the other calls for a mixed electoral system, RFE/RL’s Moldovan service reported.Romania’s president, Igor Dodon, was elected on November 13, 2016, after campaigning on a pro-Russian platform. Dodon’s victory angered supporters of his political rival, Maia Sandu, who argued that Moldova should seek closer ties with the EU. Neighboring Romania is a member of the EU.Moldova is sandwiched by Romania to the south and Ukraine to the north.