The phenomenon of voter corruption and solutions to protect votes in the future were the issues discussed by civil society representatives with President Maia Sandu. Asked by IPN, the program director at Promo-LEX, Nicolae Panfil, who participated in the consultations at the presidential office, told IPN that the discussions focused on the legal framework and the need to strengthen the parties, IPN reports.
"Several comments were made on the legal framework. If we refer to the institutions and their functioning, - we are talking here about the judiciary and the police for example, - there is a need for unremitting efforts. The police, the NAC, the prosecutor's office must continue their activities in the direction of documenting and communicating on cases of active or passive corruption. Another aspect I referred to is communication and interaction with society in general, especially with those groups that have been targeted by the networks," Nicolae Panfil said.
The Promo-LEX expert added that the phenomenon of corruption in the electoral process affects the entire political class and it is wrong to believe that it favors or disadvantages some or others. A common front between parties is needed, Nicolae Panfil said. "I have noticed that very few electoral contestants have lodged complaints with the electoral bodies or have complained to the police about illegal behavior, illegal funding or voter corruption. Political parties are those that fight for power and if you are not defending your voter, then why do you exist as a party? I have called for a consolidation of efforts by political parties in preparation for the next elections. You cannot step aside, thinking that this does not affect you", Nicolae Panfil said.
Another participant in the consultations with the head of state, the president of the Moldovan Legal Resource Center Ilie Chirtoaca, told IPN that such talks will continue.
"We were assured that such talks will continue in a broadened format. We are glad that platforms are being created, through which civil society is included in this dialog. What is important in this meeting is that not only civil society representatives were present, but the Minister of Justice was also present and heard our recommendations. I, in turn, will discuss with my colleagues to address this issue, and then we will provide concrete and clear solutions," said the head of the Legal Resource Center, Ilie Chirtoaca.
The Presidency announced that in the "coming period, consultations will continue between President Maia Sandu and certain interested groups in order to improve the plan of measures and ensure a rapid and effective implementation of the necessary changes in legislation and strengthening of public institutions, so that democracy can be better protected and citizens' right to a free vote, without interference from outside the country, can be better guaranteed".
