The presidential elections of this year are characterized by spontaneity, a large number of candidates and the fact that they take place in a period when a low level of confidence is witnessed in state institutions. These and other traits typical of the current elections were formulated by representatives of parliamentary parties in a public debate of the series “What kind of President is society looking for? What society does the President need?”, held by IPN News Agency.
The deputy head of the Liberal Democratic Party Liliana Palihovich, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, said that spontaneity is typical of all the types of elections held in Moldova, but is more typical of the current elections that were announced recently, following the March judgment by the Constitutional Court. Another trait is related to the fact that the Central Election Commission is not sufficiently prepared for properly organizing the presidential elections. The CEC must prepare in accordance with the last amendments made by Parliament to the Election Code. The rules of registering candidates in the race for the presidency are different from those used in the last presidential elections and this is a distinct trait.
Executive secretary of the Central Committee of the Party of Communists Elena Bodnarenko said the presidential elections in Moldova are illegitimate. “The Constitution was violated and the future President is doomed to play the role of marionette with limited powers. The current structure of Parliament does not show the will of the people expressed in the last parliamentary elections, while the coming elections will enable the regime to strengthen itself,” stated the Communist MP, explaining the decision of her party to boycott the elections.
Executive secretary of the Party of Socialists Vlad Batrancea stated that the main trait that is powerfully felt in society is the state of protest owing to which the government in March decided to restore the people’s right to choose the Head of State. The people’s dissatisfaction is another trait. “Over 80% of the people do not have confidence in the ruling political class. The people do not have confidence in this Parliament and want radical changes,” said the MP. According to him, the people’s wish for justice is the distinct trait and if they do not obtain this right as a result of the upcoming elections and will see no changes in the country, they will lose confidence in the political class and very unpleasant events for the country’s stability will take place.
MP Sergiu Sarbu, deputy chairman of the Democratic Party, said the presidential elections are know-how from the viewpoint of scientific research. This year’s events enable the researchers to obtain different knowledge that is to be implemented in a number of areas. Among the specific traits are the new procedures for collecting signatures, equal conditions for all the aspirants for President, equal election campaign for everyone. According to the MP, the current election campaign will be tough.
Liberal MP Stefan Vlas said the electors’ aspirations will become clear as a result of these elections and these will reveal Moldova’s future course and will be an essential impetus to the parliamentary elections of 2018.
The September 21 public debate is the 60th installment of the series of debates “Developing political culture by public debates” that are staged by IPN with the assistance of the German foundation “Hanns Seidel”.
