In 2011 civil society intends to more actively engage in governance

During the two years after the launch of the National Forum of NGOs, civil society achieved results, but also faced challenges. The year 2009 was rather passive compared with 2010, which was full of events involving civil society. The head of Contact Center Serghei Neikovchen stated for Info-Prim Neo that in the sixth National Forum of NGOs, civil society will come with new forces and the wish to take determined steps. “Among the accomplishments of 2010, we can mention the amendment of the Law on Public Associations and the approval of the Law on Volunteering. Last year, civil society took part in all the political events. We can mention here the amendments made to the Election Code. Civil society promoted and participated in the electoral process through voter education campaigns, monitoring and other activities. After the forum that took place in November 2008, not much was achieved in 2009. Despite the political instability, in 2010 civil society obtained a lot of results,” Serghei Neikovchen said. Speaking about the failures, the head of Contact Center said civil society did not manage to contribute more to efficient governance. “We allowed the authorities to strengthen positions. They made many mistakes during a year, but now we will be tougher when we take part in governance,” he stated. According to Serghei Neikovchen, the fact that civil society did not cooperate with the legislative body was the greatest failure of 2010. Cooperation with Parliament was imposable owing to the political instability and because the legislature wasn't ready for long-term work and for cooperation. “However, civil society did not disappear. It worked and continues to work. It was a difficult year, but we hope that this year will be better,” Neikovchen said. The National Forum of NGOs convenes once in two years. It brings together nongovernmental organizations from all over Moldova.