NGOs promise not to let 'bandits enter Parliament'

A group of non-governmental organizations which set up “The Civil Society Congress of Moldova” launched on Tuesday, January 13, a campaign themed “We won't let bandits enter Parliament”, Info-Prim Neo reports. The president of the association “Moldova mea” (“My Moldova”), Feodor Ghelici, has told a news conference today that the members of the congress will join their efforts to monitor the politicians who will enter the parliamentary race. “We intend to set up a filter which will prevent bandits wearing suits and ties from entering Parliament”, said Ghelici. According to him, the member organizations will issue weekly statements to inform the public, with the help of the media, about their opinions on the lists of candidates, the electoral platforms of the parties, the statements made by the politicians. A final statement will be made just on the eve of the parliamentary polls. In addition, the group intends to hold public debates involving various politicians. Feodor Ghelici assured that the representatives of the congress will not make publicity for any party. But he went on to add that they will “show the society the parties which are able to march in vanguard” so that “the population doesn't waste its vote on small parties, which don't deserve attention”. “We intend to monitor all the political leaders and party lists. We are not here to offend or blame anyone. The society has the right to alternative information offered by the civil society”, explained Anatolie Munteanu, member of the “Veterans' Fund of Moldova”. Sergei Gavrilov of the “Northern Ireland Mission in Moldova” said the attitude and behavior of the MPs must correspond to the principles of the Christian morality. “Being an MP is not a privilege, but a responsibility. We need MPs that are able to answer for their actions”, said Gavrilov. The launch conference was also attended by representatives of such variegated organizations as the “Alliance of Psychotherapists of Moldova”, “The Euro Taekwondo Federation of Moldova”, or the “Spring of Moldova”. Organizers say the congress comprises a total of 35 organizations, including from Gagauzia and Transnistria. Although having similar goals with the Civic Alliance for Free and Fair Elections (the 2009 Coalition), launched in November 2008, the Civil Society Congress doesn't intend to join it because the Coalition allegedly is not showing enough energy and enthusiasm. According to the Congress members, all its activities will be financed from own resources.