The Central Election Commission (CEC) took cognizance of the Parliament’s decision by which a seat of MP in the Liberal-Democratic group was declared vacant after Liliana Palihovici resigned. In its May 5 meeting, the CEC voted to assign the seat to the next substitute candidate on the list of the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova, Nicolae Olaru, IPN reports.

The Commission will request the Constitutional Court to validate the seat of the substitute candidate.

Former deputy minister of agriculture Nicolae Olaru is investigated over the appropriation of about 30 hectares of land in Stauceni, which belongs to the National College of Vine and Wine, together with other functionaries. Olaru is now under house arrest.

Contacted by IPN, CEC president Alina Russu said Nicolae Olaru submitted a statement to the Commission whereby he informed that he accepts the seat of MP. Thus, based on Olaru’s statement, there was initiated the procedure for validating the seat.

Chief of the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office Viorel Morari has told IPN that the legislation does not regulate such circumstances. Moreover, such a situation is new for the Republic of Moldova. Prosecutors will analyze the legislation. If Nicolae Olaru becomes an MP, he will enjoy parliamentary immunity. Nicolae Olaru could be investigated only if the prosecutor general requests to withdraw his immunity and his request is granted by Parliament.