Students are constrained to vote for PLDM, NGOs

Students of a number of universities are forced by the rectors, who are members of the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova (PLDM), to vote for this party in the November 28 early legislative elections. The statement was made by Corneliu Mihalache in the name of the “Civic Control – Elections 2010” Coalition that includes 17 nongovernmental organizations. Corneliu Mihalache, who is a member of the Broadcasting Coordination Council, presented himself as a member of the public association “Transform Moldova”, which also forms part of the Coalition, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to Corneliu Mihalache, most of the complaints came from students of the Agrarian University. They said they are constrained to take part in meetings with Liberal-Democrat leaders. Students of the State University informed the Coalition that the deans promised they will pay lower tuition fees if they vote in favor of the PLDM. The NGOs believe the Saturday that comes before the November 28 elections was declared day of study in order to exert pressure on the students. The “Civic Control – Elections 2010” Coalition monitors the election campaign in partnership with 300 observers who oversaw the campaigns for the April 5 and July 29, 2009 elections.