Five parties apply to be registered as participants in election campaign for referendum, Update

{Rectification: Read “Moldova Noastra Alliance” instead of the “Liberal Democratic Party” in par. 1} Five political organizations lodged applications with the Central Election Commission (CEC), asking being allowed to take part in the election campaign for the September 5 referendum. These are: the Communists Party, the Democratic Party, the Moldova Noastra Alliance, the Liberal Party and the Sociopolitical Movement “Ravnopravie”, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to the head of the CEC's Elections and Referendums Division Mariana Musteata, the Commission will examine the applications and take a decision on July 16. The PLDM, PL and PDM are in favor of the direct election of the head of state and urge the voters to take part in the September 5 plebiscite. The Opposition party – the PCRM – said it will boycott the referendum and called on the people not to vote in it. Contacted by Info-Prim Neo, the leader of “Ravnopravie” Valery Klimenko said he will make public his position in a news conference soon. [Update] Sources in the CEC told the Agency that “Ravnopravie” is against the referendum. All the 30 parties and sociopolitical organizations registered with the Ministry of Justice can take part in the election campaign for the constitutional referendum. The deadline for applications is August 4. The voters in the referendum will have to answer one question: “Are you in favor of amending the Constitution so that it allows for direct election of the head of state?”