The Promo-LEX Association proposes adopting a formula by which to determine the number of polling stations for the voters from the Transnistrian region. The proposal is contained in a policy document that was presented in a news conference, IPN reports.
According to Promo-LEX, one of the possible formulas should contain the total number of voters in the region divided by the total number of people who can vote at a polling station (247609/3000=83) and then divided by the average rate of participation in the last national elections. For example, 50% at the parliamentary elections of 2019 would suggest the necessity of opening 42 polling stations, which is exactly the number of stations established by the Central Election Commission at the last presidential elections.
At the same time, given the particularities of holding the elections in the limitrophe zone of the region that is not controlled by the constitutional authorities, for security reasons, taking into account the low voter turnout in the region, the analysis author ascertains that the number of stations can be even smaller than the indicated one. This way, to ensure the participation of citizens from the Transnistrian region in elections, at least 28 stations should be established for them, which is about 1,330 voters per polling station.
In another policy document, expert Mariana Dobrovolschi says the collection of signatures on subscription lists in support of candidates or in favor of holding a referendum in safe conditions is one of the main challenges faced in the electoral process in the Republic of Moldova in the context of the pandemic. As an alternative, in additional to the existing mechanism, the political decision-makers should consider the possibility of introducing a mechanism for online collection of signatures at the candidate nomination and registration stage.
Through the online signature collection mechanism proposed by Promo-LEX, the citizens will sign in favor of a candidate or an initiative with the digital signature through the agency of a program managed by the Central Election Commission. Direct contact will be thus avoided. Such a mechanism in the technical conditions existing in Moldova can be implemented during up to six months, according to experts consulted by the Association.
Promo-LEX will transmit the two policy documents and the recommendations formulated by experts to the responsible public authorities, including Parliament, political parties and other players that should make effort to initiate the procedures for amending the Election Code and the related legislation.
