It is difficult to see how elections could be avoided and when it will happen is still an open question, EU Special Representative for Moldova Kalman Mizsei has told the news agency Info-Prim Neo in an interview. He also stressed that changing the constitution should not happen each time someone comes to power and wants to comfort themselves and get some short term gains. Speaking about the eventuality of early parliamentary elections in 2010, Mr Mizsei remarked that Moldova is in dire need of reforms, yet failed elections throughout 2009 paralyzed such efforts. “Now, Moldova needs to live up to its international commitments. Therefore, this is a question that has to be solved by the Moldovan Parliament according to its constitutional norms and in line with international democratic commitments. It is difficult to see how elections could be avoided but when it will happen is naturally still an open question.” The diplomat observed that Moldova is experiencing a challenge of not being able to elect a President. That may require constitutional change of the “famous and odd article 78”, which requires dialogue among the parties. “I would like to praise the Alliance for European Integration for their decision to invite the Venice Commission to assist in finding a suitable solution to this challenge, as this is the centre of expertise on constitutional matters in Europe. I am also heartened by the fact that the majority of parliamentary parties have expressed converging views on this issue, including the opposition. It is a common responsibility of the political elite to solve this problem in a civilized, European manner – through constructive negotiations”, declared Kalman Mizsei. Concerning constitutional changes, Mr Mizsei underlined that it is a serious matter that should happen in a dignified manner, with due consideration of the democratic nature of the process. “Otherwise the long term interests of Moldovan democracy will inevitably suffer. Changing the constitution should not happen each time someone comes to power and wants to comfort themselves and get some short term gains. Then you end up with the kind of constitutional flaws that you have now”, stated Kalman Mizsei in his interview with Info-Prim Neo. Kalman Mizsei was appointed EU Special Representative for Moldova on March 1, 2007 for a three-year term. Recently, the Council of the EU prolonged his term in office until August 31, 2010.