The regulations concerning party funding, which are to be approved by the Central Election Commission (CEC), constrain the extraparliamentary parties and thus liquidate the political alternative. Such a position was stated by four extra-parliamentary parties, namely the Liberal Reformist Party, the Democratic Action Party, the National Liberal Party and the People’s Party of the Republic of the Republic of Moldova, IPN reports.

The National Liberal Party’s head Vitalia Pavlichenko told a news conference that the regulations in the current variant seem to be an attempt to limit political pluralism. If they do not take into account the proposals of the extra-parliamentary parties, these will challenge the regulations in court.

Alexandru Luncari, secretary general of the People’s Party, said the Law on Party Funding and the regulations that are to be approved by the CEC seem to be a noble intention of the rulers, but in reality hide levers by which to constrain the political opponents. The current regulations stipulate rather harsh penalties. Among these is the suspension in financing from public funds if the parties do not obey particular provisions.

The four extraparliamentary parties consider the regulations in the current version are compelling. These should offer a grace period of at least two years during which the parties could comply with the legal provisions and prepare the necessary instruments and a broad report on donations and dues, outside election campaigns.

The four parties initiated a dialogue to join efforts with a view to counteracting the intentions to use the Law on Party Funding with the aim of eliminating political competition by creating difficult and illegal conditions for their activity.