Voters are persecuted by election runners, Fiodor Ghelici

No major changes will take place after the November 28 early legislative elections. Free and fair elections are impossible in Moldova today, but those who have money can buy a seat in Parliament. The statements were made by businessman Fiodor Ghelici, the head of the NGO “Moldova Mea”, in a news conference on November 15, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to Fiodor Ghelici, the election contenders use different methods to convince the voters to choose them. They use administrative resources and even resort to blackmailing and threats. The voters are warned they will be fired and will remain without salaries. The persons who are involved in the campaign are also intimidated. They are told that cameras will be installed in the polling booths and they will be punished if the people vote for another election runner. Fiodor Ghelici said that he talked to persons who are campaigning for certain parties and realized they do it not because they share their political principles, but because they need money. Many of them are decided not to take part in elections or to vote for another election contender than the one they represent. The businessman stated that pressure is exerted on students to vote for certain election runners. Many of the students are promised good grades in exams and money. The head of the Association “Moldova Mea” believes the ordinary people cannot be criticized for not taking part in elections as it is the responsibility of the politicians, the press and civil society to persuade and motivate them to vote.