The recent adoption of amendments to Article 20 of the Electoral Code has been met with concern by the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections. The Coalition, which brings together 37 NGOs, issued a statement today criticizing the adoption of key electoral legislation in a manner that does not respect the principle of transparency in decision-making.

According to the statement, the modification of Article 20 on June 18 runs against the recommendations of the Venice Commission and further increases the risk that the independence of the Central Electoral Commission will be undermined. Moreover, the Coalition disapproves the passage of amendments to the Electoral Code on June 11 without prior public consultation.

The Coalition therefore says that the promulgation procedure of the June 18 bill must be put on hold, and the bill should be revisited in order to prevent arbitrary dismissals of CEC members. Parliament is also urged to seek public consultation on the proposed electoral legislation that passed first reading on June 11 before it is put up for a final vote.

“The Coalition members are expressing their readiness to participate in public discussions on the amendment of the Electoral Code and other related legislation”, says the statement.

The Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections is a permanent entity composed of 37 NGOs that aims to contribute to the advancement of democracy in Moldova by promoting free and fair elections in conformity with the standards of the OSCE, Council of Europe and other specialized institutions.