The S&D Group welcomes the adoption by the Parliament of Moldova, with a three-quarter majority, the new electoral law which takes onboard all the most important recommendations of the Venice Commission and introduces a mixed system. 

Following the adoption, S&D Vice-President Victor Boştinaru said:
 

"The reform of the electoral law has been long awaited in Moldova, and it's very positive news that it was finally adopted by a very strong majority of the Parliament of Moldova, including the ruling majority and the main opposition party. The new electoral law introduces a mixed system whereby half of the Parliament is elected based on party lists, and the other half in uninominal constituencies.

"The identification of the best system for the country and for its stability was not easy, and we praise the readiness of the parliamentary majority to request the opinion of the Venice Commission on the draft law, and to subsequently address in the final draft all the major concerns, further opening the debate not only with all parliamentary forces, but also with civil society and experts. Based on the Venice Commission recommendations and as a  result of political dialogue, the new law foresees the appointment of an independent authority in charge of setting the constituency boundaries, and structured measures to minimise the influence of the business environment on the candidates and to better regulate party financing. Provisions to guarantee a high presence of women in the Parliamentary life of the country have been further strengthened, and  serious improvements have been made to the electoral system for citizens of Moldova living abroad.

"We very much appreciate the decision of the Moldovan authorities to come to the European Parliament to discuss the reform with all major interlocutors ahead of its adoption, and to take stock of the advices and concerns.

"We are confident this new electoral code will bring about important benefits, ahead of next year's parliamentary elections in Moldova".