Members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of civil society and political parties and other persons took part in the festivity staged by the Central Election Commission (CEC) to celebrate 20 years of permanent activity. In the official ceremony, Speaker of Parliament Andrian Candu congratulated the Commission and handed over awards to CEC employees, IPN reports.
Ex-CEC president Iurie Ciocan was awarded the Diploma of Honor of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, while CEC employees Natalia Iuras, Ludmila Lupashko and Cristina Cheles received First Degree Diplomas.
Andrian Candu a said the CEC managed to distinguish itself as a human rights promoter and to ensure equal voting rights for the people within free and fair elections. The inclusive policies promoted by the Commission increase the voter involvement level and the rising number of people who take part in elections is a proof of this. The Speaker welcomed the swift election outcome determination process and thanked for the effort made in time to ensure the democratic process in the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Galbur praised the personnel of the CEC for their high professionalism and devotion during elections. He said that during the 20 years of work, the CEC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cooperated very actively. The situations weren’t always simple, but, owing to communication and cooperation, they managed to find solutions and ensure the right to vote of the people from the diaspora. Initially, only about 2,000 voters from the diaspora took part in elections, but now the figure rose to over 100,000.
Constitutional judge Veaceslav Zaporojan said the CEC developed into a well-organized institution that uses the best international practices in the field. The upcoming elections will be a challenge for the Commission given the type of elections. In the campaign prior to the elections, the CEC will also play an important role in organizing and holding the legislative elections.
CEC president Alina Russu said the Commission in the 20 years went through rather difficult patches and endured together with the people political and economic turmoil, political pressure and intolerance in electoral processes. “During our activity, with the support of donors and partners, we managed to build our professional capacities and the electoral framework so as to ensure the right to vote, regardless of gender, age, beliefs, etc.,” she stated.
Alina Russu also said that in the political and electoral competition, of ideas and preferences, there are always losers and winners and there will always be dissatisfaction and criticism. The CEC was and will be the focus of attention, including the target for criticism. Nevertheless, the CEC correctly fulfills its duties and ensures the free expression of the electoral convictions of the people in Moldova.
