The changes concerning the collection of signatures needed for being included in the race for the presidency, made to the Election Code, discriminate against those who want to run independently, aspirant for the office of President Vadim Branzan stated in the program “Emphasis on today” on TVR Moldova channel, IPN reports.

“The amendments to the Election Code were most probably made in order to eliminate the independent candidates from the race. Those who want to run independently must collect the same number of signatures as the candidates fielded by parties that have local offices in districts and their representatives in the local public authorities,” stated Branzan.

He noted that some of the contenders hurried to collect an exaggerated number of signatures so as to prevent the other aspirants from collecting the necessary number of signatures. “Igor Dodon boasted that he will submit 350,000 signatures to the CEC. Why does he need so many signatures? Because those who signed are unable to put their signatures in favor of other candidates. There are 24 candidates who are obliged to present 15,000 signatures each. As some of the signatures can be invalidated, one candidate should collect about 20,000 signatures, which is 480,000 signatures overall. It is too much for a country with a population lower than 3 million, almost 1 million of whom went to work abroad,” said Branzan.