Changes in the regulatory framework were implemented after the announcement of the date of the parliamentary elections. These included Law 112, which regulated new identity cards and electronic proof of residence; Law 130, which clarified the status of the independent candidate, expanded the powers of chairpersons of electoral bodies and regulated “disguised electoral blocs”; Law 100, which expanded the Ministry of Justice’s powers over parties, introduced the Electronic Register of Members and the risk of administrative interference; and Law 191, which gave journalists the right to file complaints.
“Some of these changes were necessary, while others disrupted political parties in general. In communication with more than 50% of electoral participants, they pointed out the shortcomings and obstacles in the organization of the electoral process resulting from the legislative changes,” said Maxim Lebedinschi, Chairman of the Union of Lawyers of Moldova.
He stressed that these changes, which forced the parties, among other things, in a “fire alarm” mode to provide lists of members, distracted them from the preparation for the campaign and actually became obstacles in the organizational process.
Among the positive effects were noted: clarification of procedures and technological modernization. Among the negative effects: legislative instability, concentration of administrative power in the Ministry of Justice, blurred notions of “national security,” interference in party activities, disproportionate tasks for election contestants, and excessive devolution of powers. The main conclusion is a decline in predictability, transparency and political pluralism.
“This needs to be corrected for future elections by ensuring predictability. Parliament and other bodies with the right to legislate or approve bylaws should make changes well in advance of the announcement of new national elections,” said the chairman of the Union of Lawyers.
In his opinion, this is necessary “to restore legislative stability, separation of powers and guarantees of political pluralism.”
