The Liberal Democratic Party (PLDM) formulated a legislative proposal to amend the Election Code so that the Moldovan citizens from the diaspora are connected to the political life in the Republic of Moldova. More exactly, the PLDM suggests introducing the quota of 20% for the diaspora by respecting the minimum of two places per each ten persons on the lists of candidates for the parliamentary elections.
In a news conference at IPN, PLDM president Tudor Deliu said the party suggests amending Article 46 of the Penal Code concerning the fielding of candidates and introducing two paragraphs, “4” and “4 prime”, with the following content: “The lists of candidates for the parliamentary elections are written so that they ensure the representation of the citizens with the domicile or residence outside the country in proportion of least 20% of the number proposed for registration. The candidates on the list are written according to the at least two per each ten places formula.”
The president of the PLDM noted it is not fair for the politicians in Moldova not to engage the diaspora in political processes as namely the citizens who work abroad are those who substantially contribute to the formation of the GDP and who can attract investments to the country. The ensuring of a diaspora representation quota on the lists of candidates is an international practice.
“We consider that it can be a violation of Article 60 of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, which provides that each citizen of the Republic of Moldova has the right to be represented. We cannot name the current Parliament representative de jure as it does not represent an important segment of the Moldovan population abroad,” stated the politician.
PLDM vice president Iulian David said the country’s economy survives due to the remittances sent home by the Moldovans working abroad. Nevertheless, these are not involved in the daily political affairs in Moldova. The candidates representing the diaspora who entered Parliament have no legislative initiative that would safeguard the interests of the Moldovans abroad and this is condemnable.
Alexandru Fotescu, secretary general of the PLDM, noted the party is ready to take part in any discussions centering on the proposed bill.
The legislative proposal was submitted to all the parliamentary groups and unaffiliated MPs for being introduced into Parliament given that the PLDM is an extraparliamentary party.
