Under the legal provisions, there is no threshold for the February 24, 2019 elections. As regards the representativeness of the mandate in single-member constituencies, to guarantee a balance, the number of voters in a constituency is of plus-minus 10%. But even if the turnout in the northern districts, where the voters are more active, is 70%, while in the central districts is 40%, the MP will be anyway elected. So, we cannot say that they will have a different power as a candidate elected in a constituency represents the whole constituency, respectively all those who voted for this, Central Election Commission (CEC) member Iurie Ciocan stated in an interview for Radio Free Europe that is quoted by IPN.
“Forgive my cynicism, but the number of people who will vote will be enough. The law was built so that there is no validation threshold. I’m not bothered about this for the simple reason that the power is in the people’s hands and if we choose a Parliament 10%, it means we deserve this. We are given a right,” stated Iurie Ciocan.
As to the exclusion of electoral silence, the CEC member said this norm could prove its viability in time and it will become clear if it solves the problem of agitation on the election day. “The electoral bureau remains free from electoral agitation. Surely, we will manage the process so that our electors could vote consciously, not influenced by anyone,” he said.
As to the voting by people from the Transnistrian region, Iurie Ciocan said that as long as the five districts controlled by the separatists are not managed by the central government, the right to vote of those people should be ensured by the Moldovan authorities. There are over 220,000 citizens with documents in order there and these can vote. The interest in the upcoming parliamentary elections is expected to be greater in Transnistrian as those from the five districts will be motivated to vote the candidates who will represent them in Parliament.
Iurie Ciocan also said the CEC will make effort to open electoral bureaus abroad where the Government will provide precincts, mainly at embassies and consulates and also on extraterritorial areas.
Asked about the integrity certificate, Iurie Ciocan said the given certificate does not confirm the internal and moral integrity of the person. It confirms his relationship with the state, the prosecution bodies, the courts of law. As regards the mayor of Orhei Ilan Shor, who was sentenced to jail by the first court, this wasn’t convicted by definitive decision and they will thus apply the presumption of innocence.
Parliamentary elections and simultaneously a consultative referendum will be held in Moldova on February 24, 2019.
