Parliament today formally accepted the resignation of three Central Electoral Commission members, including CEC chairwoman Alina Russu.
“I am relinquishing my membership on the Central Electoral Commission as I find it impossible to further carry out my duties as mandated by law in light of the downgrading of the CEC member’s status,” wrote Iurie Ciocan in his letter of resignation. Earlier Ciocan explained that previously a CEC member could only be removed by courts. Now, under a recent amendment, CEC members can be revoked by Parliament.
Previously, former deputy CEC chair Rodica Ciubotaru also cited the recent electoral amendments, “which could undermine the credibility of the electoral process and confuse voters”, as a reason for her resignation.
In her resignation letter, Alina Russu said she would further take care of administrative and budget-related matters until a new CEC chairperson is appointed.
Moldova’s electoral body is composed of nine members, with one appointed by the President, and eight by Parliament in a way that represents proportionally both the governing majority and the opposition.