13 electoral participants can start campaigning

The 13 electoral participants in the campaign for the September 5 constitutional referendum that have been registered by the Central Election Commission (CEC) can place election posters, take part in public debates and campaign, Info-Prim Neo reports. CEC secretary Iurie Ciocan said the political parties can file applications to be registered as participants by August 4, but those who were already registered can start campaigning. Besides rights, the participants also have obligations like weekly presenting financial reports to the CEC. The parties are allowed to spend at most 7.5 million lei on the campaign. The electoral participants can lodge challenges with the CEC if they identify irregularities committed by other participants. No broadcaster has yet informed the CEC about their intention to organize electoral debates, Iurie Ciocan said. The debates can start on any campaign day. “The broadcasters decide by themselves when to open the debates,” Ciocan said. On September 5, voters will be asked whether they are in favor or against amending the Constitution so that it allows for direct election of the head of state.