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Political analyses and commentaries on “Elections” topic

Electoral platform of politicians promoting re-unification with Romania
October 20, 2016
The subject of a possible re-unification of Republic of Moldova with Romania, called unionism, as an electoral theme in this presidential election campaign is the central theme of two candidates — Mihai Ghimpu, leader of the Liberal Party (PL), and Ana Gutu, leader of the political party “Right” (PD). Both presidential candidates used to be colleagues, members of the parliamentary faction of the Liberal Party in the period of 2009–2013[…]
The rationale behind the idea of a single presidential decree
October 10, 2016
The “Our Moldova” Party (PN) candidate for the Presidential office, Dumitru Ciubasenco, entered the presidential race in order to get the public mandate to dissolve the Parliament and call early parliamentary elections[…]
Messages and priorities of the pro Eurasians
October 4, 2016
Socialist Party candidate for the position of President, Igor Dodon, is the main promoter of Eurasian integration. His electoral platform includes the following messages and priorities[…]
The main trends in the presidential elections of 2016
Igor Botan, September 16, 2016
Regardless of the number of candidates to be registered, their messages to citizens can be grouped into five major currents, more or less interspersed: Pro-Romanian, unionist; Pro-European, governmental; Pro-European, alternative; Pro-Eurasian; The single decree[…]
Boycotting presidential elections
Igor Botan, September 12, 2016
2016 presidential elections are the first direct elections to be held in the last 20 years. Returning to direct presidential election procedure was done in a novel way, without changing the Constitution by Parliament or by constitutional referendum, but by Constitutional Court (CC) decision, which decided to cancel part of the constitutional amendments of 2000[…]
Pre electoral context
Igor Botan, September 2, 2016
Presidential elections scheduled for October 30, 2016 take place in a very complicated social-political and economic context. The political crisis erupted in December 2014, when the Moldovan authorities announced that a billion US dollars was illegally evaded from the banking system[…]
European integration — the last refuge of scoundrels?
Igor Botan, July 1, 2015
Local elections in Moldova are traditionally perceived as politico-administrative elections. Voting for local and district councils is conducted based on the proportional electoral system with closed party lists. While at the level of villages and towns people can say they know the qualities of the candidates for local councils, at district level candidates can be known only by the residents of their localities[…]
Barometer of Public Opinion about the socio-political situation before the local elections
Igor Botan, May 25, 2015
The results of the Barometer of Public Opinion (BPO) traditionally are of special interest before electoral campaigns. Due to the application of a standard methodology and maintenance of a constant set of questions over a long time, the BPO offers the possibility to evaluate trends in the citizens’ perception of socio-political realities[…]
Modification of electoral legislation shortly before local elections
Igor Botan, April 29, 2015
On 9 April 2015, the Parliament approved, by Law no. 36 and Law no. 61, amendments to the Electoral Code and to other five codes and laws referring to elections and electoral subjects. The majority of amendments are welcome, but some of them are confusing and inopportune. Also, it should be mentioned that the amendments were made after 3 April, when the Parliament set the date of general local elections[…]
Irina Vlah’s Inauguration as Governor of Gagauzia
Igor Botan, April 15, 2015
On 15 April, the ceremony of inauguration of Irina Vlah, winner of the electoral competition of 22 March, took place in Comrat. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici, Speaker of Parliament Andrian Candu, Central Electoral Commission (CEC) Chairman Iurie Ciocan, and Metropolitan of Moldova Vladimir[…]
Electoral promises of Governor Irina Vlah
Igor Botan, April 1, 2015
Moldovan politicians promise a lot during electoral campaigns, but their performance is usually modest. When they enter a new electoral campaign, they forget to give an account about their fulfillment of past promises. It is also true for the politicians in the Gagauz autonomy[…]
Governor of Gagauzia Elections in Figures
Igor Botan, March 18, 2015
At the end of the electoral campaign for the elections of the governor of Gagauzia, it would be useful to see the results of opinion polls in order to understand how candidates’ activities are perceived by voters and what factors have a maximum impact on the citizens’ votes[…]
Real and imagined dangers in the elections in Gagauzia
Igor Botan, March 16, 2015
During the last week before the elections of the Governor of Gagauzia, some summary can be made about the conduct of the electoral campaign. Overall, the electoral campaign can be assessed as having been calm, without major deviations from normality[…]
Gagauzia before the Elections of the Governor
Igor Botan, February 27, 2015
The electoral campaign for the elections of the governor is a natural occasion to discuss the problems of the people in the Gagauz autonomy. The substance and gravity of their problems are diverse. The electoral competition will lead to the identification of the candidate who offers the best and most agreeable solutions to voters[…]
Geopolitical elections — the end justifies the means?
Igor Botan, December 8, 2014
During the entire 2014, oppositional political forces with pro-Eurasian visions pleaded for a referendum on the Moldovan integration project — whether it should be European or Eurasian. In this sense, pro-Eurasian political forces supported the referendum in Gagauzia. On the other hand, governing pro-European political forces constantly rejected ideas of organizing such a referendum[…]
Results of the first round of elections in Gagauzia
Igor Botan, September 13, 2012
The first round of elections to the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia ended on September 9, 2012 with the election of 13 out of 35 deputies. Representatives of the three main political parties from the region were satisfied both with their results and with the way the campaign developed[…]
2012 legislative elections in Gagauzia
Igor Botan, September 5, 2012
The failure of decision-making authorities in Gagauzia to agree on amendment of the local election legislation perpetuated in the 2012 campaign the shortcomings signalled during the previous four electoral campaigns. Like during previous elections, the current electoral campaign for the Gagauz legislature is a battle for the three interested players from the region — the head of the Comrat Executive, Governor Mihail Formuzal, Comrat Mayor Nicolai Dudoglo and the Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM)[…]
Impact of the incapacity to elect the chief of state on Moldova’ European integration process (part II)
Igor Botan, February 3, 2012
Institutional crisis related to the Parliament’s incapacity to elect the chief of state is based on the antagonistic polarization of political scene, rather than on imperfect provisions of the Constitution[…]
Impact of the incapacity to elect the chief of state on Moldova’ European integration process (part I)
Igor Botan, January 16, 2012
The incapacity of ruling alliance to elect the chief of state has a direct impact on Moldova’s European integration. Violation of the rule of law principles because of vanities and ambitions of AIE leaders are clearly contrary to the Copenhagen EU Membership criteria[…]
Who is afraid of early elections?
Igor Botan, September 6, 2011
Statements of the prime-minister that “the things go wrong” and that there is a threat of “mafiotization” of the Republic of Moldova revealed that the early parliamentary elections would not be a catastrophe to the Republic of Moldova, but a catastrophe to AIE[…]
Election of district heads — a new occasion to torpedo or revitalize AIE
Igor Botan, June 29, 2011
Disputes between AIE components exceeded the limits to be credible in eyes of electors. For the time being, following local elections, the definitive collapse or eventual recovery of AIE could be based on a political decision to build majorities in district councils[…]
Preliminary results of 2011 local elections
Igor Botan, June 23, 2011
The high turnout of local elections on June 5 and 19, 2011 (53.7 percent while approximately 20 percent of citizens who have the right to vote are outside of the country and cannot participate in elections) was on a level with their importance. The political-administrative nature of local elections carries a series of nuances[…]
What’s at stakes in local elections
Igor Botan, May 2, 2011
Several things are at stake in the general local elections of 5 June. The outcome of these elections will secure whether: the Alliance for European Integration (AEI) will survive as the ruling coalition; the local public administration reform will be promoted, and the AEI’ governing program concerning the decentralization of power will be accomplished; the main political forces will find a solution to elect the head of state and to overcome the institutional crisis or would trigger early parliamentary elections; the myth of “Moldova — a success story” will finally collapse[…]
Constitutional Court Decision: Yes for opportunities, No for solutions
Igor Botan, February 14, 2011
On February 8, 2011 the Constitutional Court (CC) has decided to discontinue consideration of notification of the Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) on interpretation of Article 90 of the Constitution concerning the deadlines for setting the date for presidential elections[…]
Results of elections in Gagauzia and the post-electoral situation
Igor Botan, January 20, 2011
It’s important to compare the results of elections for the Governor of Gagauzia in order to understand the evolution of the political landscape in the autonomy, whereas in the past five years some civic movements have been established in the region in support of certain leaders and political currents, which compete with political parties on national level[…]
Presidential election: hazard versus consistency
Igor Botan, January 13, 2011
Agreement on the establishment and operation of the Alliance for European Integration (AIE), signed on December 30, 2010 announced “the legalization of the activity of stable governance that shall be valid for the duration of a full four-year term” by the signatory parties: Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova (PLDM), Democratic Party (PD) and the Liberal Party (PL)[…]
Political year 2010
Igor Botan, December 31, 2010
The political instability caused by temporary governance has generally featured the year 2010. Efforts aimed to remedy reasons of the uncertainty did not produce the expected results but the organisation of the republican constitutional referendum, parliamentary and regional elections proved the functionality of democratic institutions even in conditions of political instability which generate anti-democratic actions, camouflaged through efforts to overcome the political crisis[…]
Three “C” for restoring AEI
Igor Botan, December 17, 2010
After three weeks from the parliamentary elections it remains unclear what kind of coalition the Republic of Moldova will have and for how long. Election results and statements of political leaders make possible only two coalition options[…]
Elections of the Governor of Gagauzia
Igor Botan, December 1, 2010
Ordinary elections for the position of Gagauz Governor were set for December 12, 2010. Central Electoral Commission of Gagauzia (CECG) registered three candidates representing the most important political forces in the region[…]
The stake in elections and possible post-electoral scenarios
Igor Botan, November 21, 2010
The Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) wants to take revenge at any cost. PCRM leaders constantly repeat that on April 7, 2009 their electoral victory got two days earlier was stolen[…]
BPO findings on the eve of parliamentary elections
Igor Botan, November 18, 2010
The findings of the Barometer of Public Opinion (BPO) bring a special interest compared with other surveys, as it maintains a constant bloc of questions and the survey develops in a standard methodological framework. The latest BPO was carried out during October 17 — November 7, 2010 on a sample of 1,104 respondents, which corresponds to an error margin of ±3%[…]
Robin Hood seat distribution method
Igor Botan, November 10, 2010
The new seat distribution method is bizarre in essence, as it may eventually assure after redistribution a surplus of mandates to a party higher than the proper score. This method makes the electoral system certainly disproportional. On the other hand, this method makes the Republic of Moldova popular for innovations in electoral systems[…]
For many are called, but few are chosen…
Igor Botan, October 10, 2010
Parties which will join the electoral race could be grouped in a very schematic and arbitrary manner into four categories: big parties; barrage parties; plankton parties; and lethargic parties[…]
Lessons of the constitutional referendum held on September 5, 2010. Post-referendum analysis
Nicolae Panfil, September 30, 2010
The results of the constitutional referendum held on September 5, 2010, namely the massive absenteeism of citizens to the ballot boxes which caused the failure of the referendum, brought back a topical question: who is responsible for civic/electoral education of citizens?[…]
The consequences of failed referendum
Igor Botan, September 20, 2010
Following the failure of the constitutional referendum one can find that the positive consequences balance those negative ones. The following should be mentioned among the negative things[…]
Reasons for failure of the referendum
Igor Botan, September 13, 2010
Regardless of how political parties will present the main reasons for failure of the referendum, a number of real reasons may be identified to explain this failure. The most important of these are the following[…]
Invalid and useless referendum
Igor Botan, September 6, 2010
Constitutional referendum of September 5, 2010 turned out to be invalid due to absenteeism. Some of the ballot boxes were attended by only 30.3% of citizens included on electoral lists, with a validation threshold of 1/3[…]
Denouement: normality vs. boycott and revenge
Igor Botan, December 3, 2009
The denouement will take place on December 7. The political race between power and opposition will turn into normality, shall the Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) unlock the election of chief of state. Otherwise, the revenging confrontation will follow the boycott[…]
Neither like Deng Xiaoping, nor like Charles de Gaulle — the battle goes on!
Igor Botan, November 9, 2009
The Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) has held a mad campaign in the last two weeks to persuade supporters that there is no other way but to lock up the election of chief of state and provoke early parliamentary elections. The campaign culminated with the PCRM-held protest meeting against governing of the Alliance for European Integration (AIE)[…]
Post-electoral flames
Igor Botan, August 31, 2009
The results of the July 29, 2009 early elections confirmed that the Moldovan electorate generally maintains its political preferences despite factors that give birth to social and political cleavages. In this regard, one may say that after the political crisis linked to the April 7 developments and blocked election of a chief of state the Moldovan electorate actually reiterated its electoral options from the April 5 elections[…]
On the eve of early elections BPO suggests that…
Igor Botan, July 20, 2009
According to the Barometer of Public Opinion (BPO) poll commissioned by the Institute of Public Policy (IPP) before the early parliamentary elections, the state of things is worse in Moldova than before. As much as 67.4 percent of respondents fear that the Republic of Moldova is moving in a wrong direction and only 19.6 percent believe that the things go well[…]
Patriotic exhibitionism and Romanian danger
Igor Botan, July 17, 2009
During the early parliamentary elections main political parties clarify in fact which of them loves the Motherland the most. The ruling Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) claims that only leaders and members of this party love the Motherland. PCRM has launched its campaign slogan — Let’s defend our Motherland![…]
Presumption of guiltiness
Igor Botan, June 30, 2009
Incumbent President Vladimir Voronin dissolved the Parliament on June 15, 2009, decreeing early parliamentary elections for the 29th of July. The Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) led by Vladimir Voronin has publicly promised to hold an aggressive and bitter campaign against the opposition at the early elections[…]
Presidential elections 2009
Igor Botan, May 19, 2009
The ordinary presidential elections set for May 20, 2009 are a very serious test for Moldovan society. In fact, under the law concerning the procedure of election of Moldovan president, the elections should take place before the expiry date of the chief of state’s mandate, April 7, 2009[…]
Post-modernist revolution
Igor Botan, May 1, 2009
The April 7 revolt followed the April 5, 2009 elections, at which the offer called stability tabled by the Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) competed with the offer called change raised by the liberal parties[…]
Whom do I vote?
Igor Botan, March 25, 2009
Periodical Barometers of Public Opinion (BPO) commissioned by the Institute for Public Policy (IPP) provide the possibility to monitor trends of social-economic and political life. As a rule, BPO in “electoral years” is conducted about a month before elections. The 7th “pre-electoral” BPO conducted a month before the April 5, 2009 parliamentary elections provides one of few opportunities to estimate the probability of achieving a “change” or maintaining “stability”[…]
Common lists of candidates
Igor Botan, March 9, 2009
Amendments operated to the Election Code last year have incensed controversies. The Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) and the Christian Democratic People’s Party (PPCD), promoters of a higher electoral threshold up to 6 percent, besides prohibition of electoral blocs have motivated their option by necessity to avoid an excessive fragmentation of the future Parliament[…]
Vote of Moldovans living abroad
Igor Botan, February 23, 2009
Claims by some electoral contestants to ensure the electoral right of Moldovan nationals working abroad are absolutely legitimate. Even more, it is worth to mention that ensuring the electoral right of Moldovan gastarbeiters is more legitimate than that sanctioned by laws, by Constitution and electoral legislation[…]
Ballots of Moldovan citizens from Transnistrian region
Igor Botan, February 14, 2009
After the independence of the Republic of Moldova was declared, Moldovan authorities could not make conditions to organise elections in the eastern rayons from the left bank of the Dniester controlled by the separatist administration. The latter has constantly resisted, claiming that Transnistria would be an independent state[…]
Universal, equal, direct, secret and free suffrage, what for?
Igor Botan, February 1, 2009
The Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) hopes to win uncompromisingly the April 5, 2009 parliamentary elections. More than half a dozen of opposition parties credited with chances to succeed the 6-percent electoral threshold or have a rating close to the threshold are dreaming the same[…]
Stakes in the 2009 parliamentary elections
Igor Botan, October 31, 2008
The findings of the recent Barometer of Public Opinion (BPO) conducted under the auspices of the Institute for Public Policy (IPP) confirms stable perceptions of Moldovan citizens, as well as a number of new trends which are becoming more obvious. In order to meet necessities of estimating the state of things, the evolution of perceptions of respondents should be examined[…]
Terms to schedule elections
Igor Botan, July 31, 2008
Reactions and rhetoric by leaders of political parties reveal that the 2009 parliamentary elections are being prepared. In this context, it is worth to know exact terms to hold elections. The things seem to be simple should parliamentary elections not be synchronised with presidential elections[…]
Democratic standards: before or after…
Igor Botan, July 15, 2008
The president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Lluis Maria de Puig, has addressed members of the Moldovan Parliament confirming some facts that Moldovan authorities know very well from other pan-European institutions, E.U. and U.S. officials[…]
Elections in Gagauzia as prelude of parliamentary elections
Igor Botan, May 31, 2008
The intrigue of elections for the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia held in two rounds on March 16 and 30, 2008 consisted in updating the ratio of political forces from the region. The same political groups which joined the race for the ranking of Gagauz Governor (head of executive) in December 2006 committed themselves to contest the supremacy of the regional legislature[…]
Preliminary conclusions on elections results
Igor Botan, March 17, 2008
Two out of the 12 independents elected in the 1st round represent the Bloc for a Flourishing Gagauzia in a Revived Moldova (FGRMB), which includes the PCRM, while another 4 represent the United Gagauzia Movement (UGM)[…]
Are regional parties really necessary?
Igor Botan, March 6, 2008
The March 16-scheduled elections for the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia (PAG) have revealed the problem of regional parties. This problem is pretty old, but the forthcoming elections for the People’s Assembly raised debates between local and international experts[…]
Gagauzia Parliamentary Election: perspectives and candidates’ strategies
Infotag, March 3, 2008
Preparation to an ordinary election of the Popular Assembly [parliament] in Gagauz Yeri, an autonomous region situated in southern Moldova, kicked off quite long ago. The outgoing legislature’s mandate expired yet on December 17, 2007, but the law-stipulated deadline for holding an election permitted the deputies to sit in the Assembly for another 3 months[…]
New elections in Rezina
Igor Botan, November 16, 2007
The Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) won the new elections in the Rezina district council on November 11, 2007, garnering three mandates more than the opposition, though the opposition gained one mandate more than the ruling party at the June 3, 2007 ordinary elections[…]
What does sociological profile of new local power suggest?
Igor Botan, October 31, 2007
Poor enough image of parties may be compensated by a pretty good image of local public administration bodies, of course if parties have an adequate representation in these bodies and if electors appreciate their activity[…]
Death of political partnership
Igor Botan, July 31, 2007
The opposition will be capable to stay consolidated further only under the threat that the PCRM may regain its rating and restart pressures and harassments under various forms[…]
Aggregated victory of dispersed opposition
Igor Botan, June 14, 2007
Estimating the potential of preparing for participation in the 2009 parliamentary elections was one of declared collateral goals of political parties launched at the June 3, 2007 local elections. The exercise was successful, with eventual alliances and mergers of parties being based on concrete data[…]
Voter turnout at June 3, 2007 elections
Igor Botan, June 12, 2007
The generalised results of the June 3, 2007 elections unveiled by the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) on June 6 have generally coincided with the results made public after the closing of polling stations by those who performed a parallel counting. However, there is a significant difference between the final results regarding the voter turnout released immediately after the closing of polling stations[…]
“Useful vote” for “least evil”?
Igor Botan, May 11, 2007
The June 3-scheduled general local elections have entered the third phase — the decisive one. Voters are due to choose the best offers and candidates in the third phase after approximately 1,000 constituencies have been created and electoral candidates have been registered[…]
Local elections 2007
Igor Botan, April 6, 2007
The June 3-scheduled general local elections will have an important role besides the proper role of electing mayors and local councillors. At least other five additional factors enhance the importance of the electoral race[…]
Elections in Gagauzia — a new beginning or deja vu?
Igor Botan, December 30, 2006
The Comrat-based Court of Appeal confirmed on December 22 the legality of the two rounds of elections held on December 3 and 17 and the election of the leader of the regional opposition, Mihail Formuzal, as governor of Gagauzia[…]
Elections in Gagauzia
Igor Botan, November 30, 2006
The electoral campaign for election of governor of the Gagauz autonomy has entered the last stage. On December 3, 2006, approximately 85,000 electors who reside the autonomy will cast their ballots for four candidates registered by the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Gagauzia[…]
Improvement of electoral legislation
Cristian Untila, February 28, 2006
The European Union — Moldova Action Plan has recently turned one and the implementation of this very important document was summarised in Chisinau on this occasion[…]
Quo vadis?..
Igor Botan, January 15, 2006
Although the legislative elections in Transnistria took place more than one month ago, their eventual impact on the process of settlement of the separatist conflict remains unclear[…]

Comentarii [4]

A branch of “orange evolution”?
Igor Botan, December 19, 2005
The political year 2005 was unquestionably a year of elections, both regarding number of elections and their impact on the social-political situation[…]
Electoral polygon
Igor Botan, November 7, 2005
New elections for vacant mayoral offices will take place in 13 localities of Moldova, including the Chisinau municipality, on November 27, 2005. Besides the appointment of mayors to administrate these localities till the May 2007 general local elections, the elections have also an important significance for estimation of development trends of the party system in Moldova[…]
New municipal elections
Igor Botan, September 26, 2005
Albeit CEC resolution on setting the date of new elections follows precisely the law, still it gives the impression that it is not timely[…]
Factors that might influence elections’ outcome
Igor Botan, July 3, 2005
There are several factors worth considering when estimating elections’ outcome, namely: inert voter sympathies; “Gagauz syndrome”; “national consensus”; low voter turnout, which increase the ratio of the “low mobility voters”[…]
The eve of mayor elections
Igor Volnitchi, June 30, 2005
Currently the top question related to mayor elections is would they get the voter turnout required for validation. Under the law, elections are considered valid provided at least 1/3 of the total number of voters take part in elections[…]
Why were new elections necessary?
Igor Botan, June 27, 2005
The effects of postponement of Serafim Urechean’s decision to resign from the Chisinau mayor office with one month and half after the March 6 parliamentary elections could be of a special importance[…]
Presidential elections
Igor Botan, April 7, 2005
If he honors his promises, then “constructive” opposition wins enabling it to grab Moldova Noastra’s electorate (roughly estimated at 20%). Conversely, if Voronin doesn’t honor his promises a part of “constructive” opposition would slip into a mere “collaborationist opposition”, while the other would tacitly and humiliated join the “obstructionist” camp, with all the arising consequences[…]
Chance of democratisation of the Republic of Moldova
Igor Botan, March 23, 2005
Existing situation offers an extraordinary chance both to the opposition and to the ruling party to avoid a deadlock that might have unfavourable consequences for Moldova. Even more, a solution could be found enabling the settlement of a string of strategic problems Moldova is facing by accepting the so-called “national consensus”[…]
Post-election reflections
Igor Botan, March 14, 2005
There were serious shortcoming in the way parliamentary elections were conducted in the Republic of Moldova (RM) on March 6, 2005. Still, it is important that International Election Observation Mission found that the 6 March parliamentary elections in Moldova were generally in compliance with most OSCE and Council of Europe commitments and other international election standards[…]
Final stage of the electoral campaign
Igor Botan, February 13, 2005
Electoral campaign has entered the final stage. CEC registered 23 electoral contestants for the parliamentary elections of March 6, 2005, out of which 11 parties/blocs and 12 independent candidates[…]
The Visit of the Council of Europe Secretary General in the Republic of Moldova
January 19, 2005
A few things have drawn the attention of observers: Terry Davis’ statement that he came to Chisinau on the invitation of the leadership of the country and of the political parties; and the statement that parliamentary elections due to take place on the 6th of March this year are the first elections of this kind in 2005 in the area of the Council of Europe, and therefore it would be in the limelight of the European institutions[…]
A faulty start of the election campaign
Igor Botan, January 18, 2005
The fourth parliamentary election campaign has started. Interestingly enough, all the electoral campaigns for the parliamentary elections since the Republic of Moldova (RM) declared its independence were preceded by problems, including the setting of the date of elections[…]
Does the Year Bear Good Signs?
Igor Botan, January 10, 2005
On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2004, the Parliament adopted the decision No.444-XV setting the day of parliamentary elections. Organizing elections on March 6 is in full accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the Republic of Moldova (RM)[…]

Comentarii [4]

Barometer of Public Opinion: deja vu or… change may be?
Viorel Cibotaru, November 28, 2004
Once the results were released on November 16, 2004 media and analysts alike turned their attention to the immediate impact of the results, leaving the analysis of tendencies and changes for later. Still, it is exactly those changes that are of great interest[…]
Concerns on the eve of elections
Igor Botan, September 12, 2004
With the launch of the fall political season analysts and media alike engaged in assessing preparations for parliamentary elections. According to their estimates, elections might be held late May or even June next year[…]
When would elections be held?
Igor Botan, June 27, 2004
Recently amendments to the Law on the Procedure of Electing the President of the Republic of Moldova were operated, under which “The Parliament of the same legislature gets to elect the President only once, except for cases of vacancy of the position”[…]
Mass-media in Moldova
Igor Botan, June 13, 2004
There is a clear distinction in the Republic of Moldova, at least in the legal framework, between public versus state-run media. Things are quite different in audio-visual and printed media[…]
Pre-election configuration
Igor Botan, May 30, 2004
The configuration of the main electoral contestants in the upcoming elections has become quite clear in May. The main parties represented in Parliament, namely Communist Party and Christian-Democratic People’s Party already held plenary assembly (the former) and the congress (the second)[…]
Preparations for elections
Igor Botan, February 22, 2004
Albeit there is almost one year left until electoral campaign officially starts, parties are already warming up. So far, possible electoral alliances and relations between power and opposition have been topping the agenda of the would-be electoral contestants[…]
Would CEC preserve its independence?
December 22, 2003
On December 16 Central Electoral Commission’s six year mandate expired. Although under Moldova law CEC members could hold two mandates at most, Moldovan authorities chose to replace its entire membership. This radical change does not run counter to the law, however it raises eyebrows[…]
The sociological portrait of new elect mayors
Igor Botan, September 7, 2003
Over the summer of 2003 the governmental media has written extensively about the problems being encountered by the local public administration bodies formed following the local general elections of 25 May 2003[…]
Negative trend in the electoral process
August 25, 2003
In mid-August the final report of the OSCE observation mission, Report on Local Elections in Moldova, was posted on the its official website. The report was accompanied by a note, entitled “Negative trend observed during Moldova’s local elections must be reversed”[…]
Endless elections?
July 17, 2003
More than one month has passed since the date of the general local elections, but it seems that they will never end. The runoff repeat voting for the election of mayors was held on 22 June and 6 July, but the wave of complaints against the results of the elections is growing further[…]
The Discontent of the Victorious
June 24, 2003
More than two weeks have elapsed since the end of the local elections. However, it is still not possible to make a complex analysis of the results because the final, complete results have not been published yet[…]
Local elections — preliminary conclusions
May 28, 2003
It appears that the current campaign for the general local elections of 25 May 2003 has differed dramatically from the previous seven electoral campaigns held in Moldova after its declaration of independence in 1991[…]
Electoral Statistics
May 12, 2003
The electoral campaign for the election of local public administrations has stepped into its final stage. The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has published the data on the number of candidates put up by the electoral contestants, who will compete for mandates of mayors and councillors in local (village, town and municipality) and raion (district) councils[…]
The 2003 Electoral Campaign
April 25, 2003
There’s one month left until the local elections of 25 May 2003. Practically, most of the practical work of preparation for the elections has already been done[…]
2003 local elections
March 31, 2003
On March 20 the Parliament set the date for general local elections, i.e. May 25. Under the election law, the “electoral period” commences immediately the election date is set[…]
Regrouping of political forces
February 25, 2003
Last week was marked by the regrouping of political forces. A group of left wing parties, including the Communist Party as well, invited President Voronin to join the efforts in finding solutions for the “political consensus and civic peace in the society”[…]
Overview of electoral law
Igor Botan, February 16, 2003
The Electoral Code has been the most disputed legal act lately. Since its adoption in 1997, 15 laws on its amendment have been passed. Out of the total 205 Articles, 90 have been amended, 250 modifications being operated[…]
Undermining the integrity of the electoral process
January 17, 2003
“Integrity of the electoral process” is the only criteria for assessing the way local elections are conducted. This principles requires observance of both ethic norms and provisions of the election law so as to allow citizens to freely express their will[…]
2003 electoral year
January 9, 2003
General local elections are due in 2003. The 4-year mandate of the local bodies expires on May 23 consequently elections are to be held in May. It would be very interesting to examine the relationships between the ruling party and opposition in this context[…]
Bashkan elections in Gagauz Yeri
October 2, 2002
Bashkan elections are scheduled in Gagauz-Yeri for October 6. The electoral campaign is characterized by mutual suspicions of falsification[…]
Getting ready for May 2003 local elections
June 14, 2002
A whole set of events this month point to the fact that the major political parties of country are getting ready for local elections due in May 2003. Rather, they resumed pre-electoral activities, interrupted by the ruling of the Constitutional Court outlawing early local elections set for April 7, 2002[…]
Early general local elections were declared unconstitutional
February 20, 2002
During its February 19 session the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova ruled that Parliament decision on conducting early general local elections on April 7 is unconstitutional[…]
2002 Local Elections
February 12, 2002
On February 5, 2002 the Parliament set the date for early general elections — April 7, 2002. During its first session held on February 7, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) adopted a resolution on establishing 37 electoral districts[…]
Presidential elections in Transdnestria
December 11, 2001
Despite the fact that several weeks ago, the President of the Republic of Moldova declared that upcoming elections in Transdnestria are illegitimate, presidential elections were conducted on December 9, 2001. As it was to be expected, Igor Smirnov won[…]
A new electoral system for Moldova!
Igor Botan, October 26, 2001
There are ten main variations of the electoral systems employed in elections all over the world. There is no good or bad electoral system, but rather system appropriate or inappropriate for the election of representative bodies in a certain country[…]
Observing presidential elections in Belarus Republic
Igor Botan, September 17, 2001
Monitoring democratic and electoral processes in the Republic of Moldova, Central Europe and CIS is the main mission of the Association for the Development of Participatory Democracy “ADEPT”[…]