The representatives of a number of NGOs based in Chisinau offer the candidates for mayor of the capital city to sign an electoral code of conduct and a memorandum concerning the commitments of the future mayor.

The two documents do not have legal effects and are rather an obligation assumed before the people. The initiative is supported by about 20 representatives of civil society organizations.

In a news conference at IPN, Vitalie Spranceana, of the Urban Civic Network, said that under the code of conduct, the candidates will not refuse to take part in public debates staged by TV channels or online platforms and those initiated by civil society. The candidates will not discuss geopolitical matters in the election campaign, will not present unclear electoral programs, will not use insulting language in TV programs and will not bribe voters.

As to the memorandum, Sergiu Ungureanu, head of the public association “Welfare”, said this provides that no restrictions as regards the access to public institutions, especially the City Hall, will be imposed. The future mayor should openly interact with the citizens and civil society and should present clear regulations concerning public consultations. This should pledge to adjust the General Urban Development Plan and to constitute a commission for illegal constructions in Chisinau.

Head of the organization “My dear city” Vitalie Voznoi called on the candidates to sign the two documents. If they don’t do it, society will have all the reasons to suspect them of not wanting a correct election campaign.

The activists called on the journalists to correctly and equidistantly cover the activities staged by the candidates and to invite civic activists to debates that will involve candidates as they have what to say.

The representatives of NGOs expressed their readiness to meet with candidates for the mayoralty of Chisinau to discuss the problems confronting the city and possible solutions to them.