The National Youth Council of Moldova, the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections and members of youth organizations of the parliamentary parties are for the introduction of a youth participation quota in the lists of election candidates. In a news conference at IPN, the young people called upon the political parties to support the amendments to the Electoral Code in the second reading, by which such a quota is introduced.
National Youth Council head Doru Curosu said this will make the young people to more actively participate in decision-making at the local and central levels. Currently, there is only one MP younger than 30 in Parliament.
According to Doru Curosu, most of the electoral platforms presented in the elections of 2009 and 2010 stipulated the development of the youth sector. However, the parties undermined the importance of youth participation in decision-making. As a result, the young people are not engaged in the achievement of the national development goals. “The young people must be encouraged and engaged in the political life and resources must be invested in them,” he stated.
Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections secretary Nicolae Panfil said it is important that the young people have a say in Parliament. The young people represent 25% of the country’s population. They face multiple problems related to education, jobs and dwellings and these problems should be addressed by the lawmakers.
Andrei Spanu, a member of the Youth Organization of the Liberal Democratic Party PLDM, said a country cannot develop without the involvement of the youth who must be stimulated to study at home, at the best universities, and to become involved in decision-making. “If no investments are made in the young people, we should not expect growth and development,” he stated. He proposed amending the Law on the Financing of Political Parties so that a part of the money that will be allocated from the state budget be provided to youth organizations that would use them to promote public interests, to carry out information campaigns and other activities.
Coordinator of the Student Association of the Liberal Reformist Party Petru Iarmaliuc said the young people were those who brought changes to Moldova through the April 7, 2009 events. They want to further contribute to improving things in the country. “The young people are the country’s future. The reforms done in the country depend greatly on them. We know what to do and have what to say. We are the force,” he stated, adding that the young people must represent at least 10% of the election candidates.
The head of the Liberal Party’s youth organization Ion Cebanu said the progress on the path to the EU is made through the agency of the young people. “Moldova needs new people, young people with character. The youth must be helped and encouraged,” he noted.
The amendments to the Electoral Code will be passed in the final reading after the MPs’ vacation.
