Low voter turnout is due to novelty of constitutional referendum for Moldova, analyst Petru Bogatu

Political analyst Petru Bogatu says the poor turnout of voters can be explained by the fact that a constitutional referendum is held in Moldova for the first time. Another cause, according to Petru Bogatu, is the campaign against the plebiscite conducted by the Communists Party. “The lower turnout was predictable. In most of the countries that held constitutional referendums, the turnout was poor or nil. It is not an unusual situation. A turnout of 10% at midday is not a danger. It can increase to the necessary level by evening,” Petru Bogatu stated for Info-Prim Neo. “Voronin’s team uses rather intelligent tactics. They did not say that the head of state should not be elected by popular vote, but that they will boycott the plebiscite because it is a stratagem of the governing alliance aimed at preserving power. Such a strategy could produce results.” The turnout in Moldova at 12.45 was 10.38% or 275,333 voters, as against 27% in the April 5, 2009 elections.