The introduction of integrity certificates as documents needed for registering candidates in the parliamentary elections generates suspicions concerning the limitation of access to the electoral process and violation of the principle of equality of chances. The information included in this certificate seems to determine the registration or non-registration and eligibility of candidates in the parliamentary elections, shows the first report of the election observation mission presented by “Promo-LEX” Association on December 20, IPN reports.

In a news conference, Pavel Postica, “Promo-LEX” programs director, said there are reasonable suspicions that the content of these certificates can be used against particular candidates when the registration or non-registration decision will be taken, even if there are no clear provisions in this regard stipulated in the Election Code.

Under the regulations drafted by the National Integrity Authority, the applicants will be issued only two copies of the certificate. According to Pavel Postica, there are reasonable suspicions that there will be persons who will want to run under the proportional list and also under the majority list.

The integrity certificates will be issued during 15 days. Such a long term practically deprives the parties of the right to modify the lists of candidates by replacement during at most 14 days before the election day. To meet all the legal provisions, the parties that will decide to replace a candidate for particular reasons can do it only 29 days before the election day.

The monitoring period last from July 27, when the election day was announced, until December 10, 2018.