alegeri.md

A delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) paid a working visit to Chisinau to assess preparations for the presidential elections of October 30. According to PACE, the electoral campaign in Moldova is largely characterized by geopolitical split between pro-Europeans and pro-Russians. The delegation noted that regardless of geopolitical sensitivities, a series of profound and persistent concerns previously outlined in PACE recommendations and in the election observation reports, still remain unresolved.

The PACE declaration points to the lack of results in the fight against corruption; obscure financing of political parties and election campaigns, including external funding; monopolization of several media institutions and lack of transparency regarding their sources of financing; the role of oligarchic structures in political life, particularly in the electoral process, etc. // IPN

Central Electoral Commission (CEC) registered three other candidates for President of the Republic of Moldova:

• Dumitru Ciubasenco, designated by “Our Party”
• Maia Sandu, designated by the “Action and Solidarity” Party
• Igor Dodon, designated by the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova

CEC also registered their electoral symbols, confirmed candidates’ representative with advisory vote and the persons responsible for campaigns finances of the respective candidates.

On the last day of submission of the subscription lists, eight candidates submitted to the CEC signatures collected in order to be registered as candidates for the presidential elections of October 30:

• Ana Gutu, designated by the Political Party “Right”
• Valeriu Ghiletchi, independent candidate
• Maia Laguta, independent candidate
• Ion Dron, independent candidate
• Roman Mihaies, independent candidate
• Vasile Tarlev, independent candidate
• Vitalia Pavlicenco, independent candidate
• Silvia Radu, independent candidate

In a meeting with the PACE delegation, Prime Minister Pavel Filip talked about the functioning of the State Register of Population and how data is connected with the system developed by the Central Electoral Commission. “I am sure that the elections in Moldova can not be rigged given the system that we have. More international observers are to be accredited so the society can be sure about that. From the technical point of view everything is insured”, said the PM. // gov.md

A group of members and supporters of the Communist Party of Moldova (PCRM) protested at the Constitutional Court (CC) expressing dissatisfaction with the CC decision of March 4, 2016 on returning to direct election of the President, which they consider illegal.

Protesters demanded resignation of the President of the Constitutional Court, Alexandru Tanase. According to PCRM, judges have violated the law, in particular Article 141 of the Constitution, which says that Constitution can be changed only in a referendum or by the parliamentary majority. // deschide.md

Vadim Brinzan said he collected about 5,000 signatures from his supporters, insufficient to be registered as a candidate for President. Brinzan, who intented to run independently in the elections, says he will support the joint candidate of the “Dignity and Truth” Platform and “Action and Solidarity” Party. // IPN

At a press conference, Mihai Corj announced his withdrawal from the presidential race. “Together with my group of initiative we took the decision to withdraw from the presidential election, to not participate in a theater of the absurd, a poor quality show attended only by oligarchs. I reached this conclusion with my team during signatures collection process. We do not want to do someones’ game, which from the start is an illegal game. We intend to further contribute to improving the legal framework in Moldova,” said Corj.

Geta Savitcaia, independent candidate, requested Central Electoral Commission to exclude her from the presidential race, citing lack of financial sources. // deschide.md

“Moldova has full support of the European Union leadership, of the Member States and of the current EU presidency for its European course”, said in a statement Marian Lupu of PDM after his visits to Bratislava, Brussels and New York. PDM leader said that development partners have expressed political, economic and financial support in order to rise the quality of life in Moldova to European standards. The politician said that foreign partners have expressed their support for his candidacy in the presidential elections.