Pridnestrovie is a democratic multiparty system and the country's Constitution guarantees freely functioning political parties, media and civil society. The republic was founded on the basis of a referendum, respecting the will of its people. Ever since it was founded, the destiny of the country has been decided on the basis of fully free and democratic elections. In 2005 alone, two hotly contested democratic elections were held: First, on 27 March to elect local leaders and later on 11 December for parliamentary elections.