Members and supporters of the Communist Party on Wednesday protested outside the Teleradio-Moldova complex, demanding the resignation of the general director Vlad Țurcanu. With chants that included “Down with censorship!”, “Shame on you!”, and “Down with Maia Sandu!”, the rally was held in response to the national broadcaster refusing to air a Communist campaign ad.

MP Diana Caraman accused Teleradio, which is funded with taxpayers’ money, of discriminating against electoral contestants by not giving them free airtime as required by law. “This amounts to abuse of power”.

“Only 15 parties registered to campaign in the referendum. 13 support it and urge citizens to vote ‘yes’. Only two parties urge people not to be manipulated by the current government. One of them is the Communist Party. Today we were able to see for ourselves that those who urge people to vote ‘no’ at the referendum will not be allowed on the public broadcaster”, declared Caraman.

Teleradio leadership stated on Tuesday that the ad in question, featuring Communist leader Vladimir Voronin, violated the rule that prohibits campaigners from using the free airtime granted to them to attack their rivals.

During the first 15 days of the election campaign, electoral competitors enjoy 10 minutes for free on the public radio station and 5 free minutes on the public television station.