General local elections will determine the quality of democracy in Moldova - Vladimir Ristovski

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (CLRAE) will monitor the general local elections, as a result of which it will be clear what is the quality of democracy in Moldova, Vladimir Ristovski, Special Representative of Secretary General of Council of Europe (CoE) in Moldova, stated during the seminar “Mass-media and Elections”, held in Chisinau between April 17 and 18. According to the European official, professionalism and integrity of journalists are recognised in all the democracies as essential preconditions for the balanced and impartial coverage of the election campaign. The balanced and free flow of information influences the elections to a great extent, and without sufficient information the citizens can not set their preferences. Head of the Parliamentary Commission for culture, science, education, youth, sports and mass-media, Victor Stepaniuc, stated that freedom of press provides the public opinion with one of the best ways for appreciating the ideas of electoral competitors. MP asserts that in Moldova, in the last five years there was created a favourable legal framework for the activity of media. “It is important that mass-media cover in an accurate manner the electoral message of all candidates”, Stepaniuc mentioned, saying that “we plead for a fair election campaign”. The representative of Media Division of CoE, Eugen Cibotaru, stated at the same event that the electoral process is a key element of any democratic society. On the other hand, the role of media in covering veraciously this electoral process is crucial. According to the expert, nowadays vote frauds are not needed anymore; it is sufficient to control mass-media to manipulate the vote much before the day of elections. Cibotaru also said that, in compliance with CoE standards, radiobroadcasters must reflect the entire political spectrum, and allow all the voices to reach their voters. The general local elections in Moldova will be held on June 3, 2007.