Press-Release
on the organization of the debate “Particularities of the 2016 Presidential Elections: View of Parliamentary Parties”, the 60th installment of the “Developing Political Culture through Public Debates” Series
Public debates series held by the news agency IPN in its conference room with the support of the German Foundation “Hanns Seidel”
Held on 21 September 2016, Debate 60 brought together MP Vlad Batrîncea, executive secretary of the Socialist Party; MP Sergiu Sîrbu, vice president of the Democratic Party;
Liberal MP Ştefan Vlas; Deputy Speaker Liliana Palihovici, vice president of the Liberal Democratic Party; and MP Elena Bodnarenco, executive secretary of the Communist Party’s Central Committee.
This was the first debate in an electoral mini-series which also has a distinctive feature: unlike the previous debates, it was hosted by two moderators, including a facilitator placed within the audience, intervening with questions or remarks when these are needed and acting as a liaison between the speakers and the journalists attending the debate, and netizens watching the debate online.
Why this subject? Because we’re in the middle of an electoral period ahead of a crucial presidential election that reintroduces direct popular vote after a 20 years’ break. Because this election has many particularities on many levels, compared with the previous presidential polls in the entire history of independent Moldova and also compared with the latest parliamentary and local elections. For example (perhaps not the best one), the geopolitical argument seems to be as present as ever in this campaign.
In particular, the speakers agreed that this year’s presidential elections are characterized by spontaneity, a large number of candidates and the fact that they take place in a period when a low level of confidence is witnessed in state institutions.
The deputy head of the Liberal Democratic Party Liliana Palihovich, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, said that spontaneity is typical of all the types of elections held in Moldova, but is more typical of the current elections that were announced recently, following the March judgment by the Constitutional Court. Another trait is related to the fact that the Central Election Commission is not sufficiently prepared for properly organizing the presidential elections. The CEC must prepare in accordance with the last amendments made by Parliament to the Election Code. The rules of registering candidates in the race for the presidency are different from those used in the last presidential elections and this is a distinct trait.
Executive secretary of the Central Committee of the Party of Communists Elena Bodnarenko said the presidential elections in Moldova are illegitimate. “The Constitution was violated and the future President is doomed to play the role of marionette with limited powers. The current structure of Parliament does not show the will of the people expressed in the last parliamentary elections, while the coming elections will enable the regime to strengthen itself,” stated the Communist MP, explaining the decision of her party to boycott the elections.
Executive secretary of the Party of Socialists Vlad Batrancea stated that the main trait that is powerfully felt in society is the state of protest owing to which the government in March decided to restore the people’s right to choose the Head of State. The people’s dissatisfaction is another trait. “Over 80% of the people do not have confidence in the ruling political class. The people do not have confidence in this Parliament and want radical changes,” said the MP. According to him, the people’s wish for justice is the distinct trait and if they do not obtain this right as a result of the upcoming elections and will see no changes in the country, they will lose confidence in the political class and very unpleasant events for the country’s stability will take place.
MP Sergiu Sarbu, deputy chairman of the Democratic Party, said the presidential elections are know-how from the viewpoint of scientific research. This year’s events enable the researchers to obtain different knowledge that is to be implemented in a number of areas. Among the specific traits are the new procedures for collecting signatures, equal conditions for all the aspirants for President, equal election campaign for everyone. According to the MP, the current election campaign will be tough.
Liberal MP Stefan Vlas said the electors’ aspirations will become clear as a result of these elections and these will reveal Moldova’s future course and will be an essential impetus to the parliamentary elections of 2018.
The Agency published 6 news stories on the debate (see the English version of www.ipn.md): on 21.09.16, “Specific traits of presidential elections formulated by representatives of parliamentary parties” - http://www.ipn.md/en/arhiva/79111; on 22.09.16, “Stefan Vlas: It will be hard for people to identify most appropriate candidate who will represent them” - http://www.ipn.md/en/arhiva/79116; “Liliana Palihovich: Elections take place amid low confidence in state institutions” - http://www.ipn.md/en/arhiva/79114; “Sergiu Sarbu: Future President will play role of mediator between powers” - http://www.ipn.md/en/arhiva/79115; “Elena Bodnarenko: People do not trust government because they are not heard” - http://www.ipn.md/en/arhiva/79120; “Vlad Batrancea: President will be elected to act as mediator between people and power” - http://www.ipn.md/en/arhiva/79122.
Valeriu Vasilica, director of IPN
