CEC rejects idea to modify by-law on broadcasters mirroring election race

After long debates, the Central Election Commission (CEC) rejected the appeals of the Liberal Democrats' (PLDM) representative, Stefan Creanga and of the Democrats' (PDM) representatives, Andrei Volentir at the CEC concerning the modification of an item in the by-law on broadcasters mirroring elections, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to the by-law, the electoral competitors will be able to participate in the debates only after the registration term expires on March 5. Creanga and Volentir say this provision bars the political parties to electioneer. “The debates are a form of electioneering, not something separate,” they specified on Tuesday. Andrei Volentir said at least 16 broadcasters are ready to start the debates. The representatives of other parties parties shared the opinion , save for the Communist representative Sergiu Sarbu, who insisted to keep the present wording of the by-law. The CEC members had separate opinions about the issue. Nicolae Garbu, Vasile Gafton and Mihai Busuleac said “by restricting this right, the CEC exceeds its powers.” “Why shall we restrict the rights of other contestants, if someone still ponders whether to join the debates or not?” asked Vasile Gafton. Nicolae Garbu has said some parties leave it purposely to register on the last day to restrict the debate time or to hide something. CEC member Pavel Midrigan has said the appeals of Creanga and Volentir are groundless. “It's not fair that some competitors participate longer in debates than others.” According to CEC chairman Eugeniu Stirbu, “the by-law is not actually a dogma, but it should be modified in such a way as not to change its essence.” CEC secretary Iurie Ciocan has said “the moderators of the public broadcaster are being trained right now, so they are not ready to mediate the debates as early as tomorrow.” Finally six CEC members voted not to modify the regulation. The CEC has also registered the Conservative Party under position 11 on the ballots.