The budget for organizing the parliamentary elections of February 24, 2019 was projected at about 110,2 million lei, while the budget for the local elections of 2019 at about 140 million lei. The costs for holding an eventual referendum together with the parliamentary elections will be assessed when a Parliament decision to this effect is adopted, the president of the Central Election Commission Alina Russu stated in an interview for Radio Free Europe that is quoted by IPN.

Asked about the concerns over the possible improper organization and holding of the elections that exist both inside and outside the country, Alina Russu said these could have been generated by the modification of the electoral system. “The ordinary parliamentary elections will be held according to the mixed electoral system for the first time. The concerns probably derive from the new rules that will be applied,” she stated. About 22,000-25,000 functionaries will be involved in the organization and holding of the legislative elections, depending on how many polling places will be established abroad.

The period for fielding electoral contenders starts 60 days before the elections. “What is happening now in the public sphere is nothing else but political activity as you cannot suggest a future or potential candidate when the official candidate nomination period didn’t start,” stated Alina Russu.

The CEC president also said the ‘electoral alms’ in the election campaign, such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, foodstuff and others, are banned. She noted the law on religious organizations provides that the church officials cannot become involved in the election campaign. If this happens, the Ministry of Justice will examine the situation.