The Central Electoral Commission proposes that the state reimburse campaign expenses to the winners of presidential or mayoral elections. However, if the official steps down within the first year of being elected, the money must be returned, suggested CEC deputy chair Pavel Postia during a video conference held to mark the Global Elections Day.
Another proposal is that “absolutely all forbidden incomes and expenses” be confiscated. Also, advertising agencies working with candidates could be required to be disclose information about the amounts of the contracts and other relevant details.
Further, the CEC suggests that the 5,000 lei fee charged by banks for opening campaign accounts should be waived, and only regular service fees should remain. Donations made in cash should not exceed an average monthly salary.
Notably, the CEC proposes holding elections on Saturdays rather than on Sundays. “Most polling stations are accommodated by educational institutions and they must be prepared for the next day when students arrive for classes. Preparing the premises during the night creates inconveniences”, said CEC member Sergiu Gurduza. In some polling stations the voting process could take place over the course of two days to avoid crowding, which is particularly important in the current pandemic, added Gurduza.
CEC chairperson Angelica Caraman said the electoral authority wants “clear rules on signature verification, proportionality of sanctions, and the start of the campaign on the same day for all candidates in order to ensure equality of chances”, among other things. Another recommendation is for the authorities to remove barriers to registration.
Justice Minister Sergiu Litvinenco said amendments are needed to introduce effective sanctions for electoral corruption, in particular vote buying, and for illegal financing of parties and campaigns. Another important aspect in his opinion is that the verification of compliance with the electoral legislation should be improved.
“It’s a good thing that the CEC verifies financial statements, but it is even more important to identify a mechanism for verifying the truthfulness of those reports. For example, it should check if those who claim they donated did make those donations. To check if the amounts actually spent are those officially declared”, added Litvinenco.
