Publication | Report/Paper

Legal Assistance: The Development of Electoral Laws and Institutions, July 1997

Introduction

Since the emergence of the Republic of Moldova as an independent and sovereign state, elections have been conducted under separate statutes applicable to the different kinds of elections (Presidential, Parliamentary and for Local self-government administrations) and referenda. In addition, the election laws have been changed prior to each type of election. Finally, a number of other laws -- particularly those regarding political parties and other socio-political organizations -- also directly affect election practice.

The International Foundation for Election Systems has conducted programs in Moldova for several years, and also maintains an office in Chisinau. As a leading international nongovernmental organization (NGO) active in the area of elections and other aspects of the establishment of democratic institutions, IFES has monitored elections in Moldova, provided comments and suggestions, engaged in programs of technical assistance to government bodies, worked with indigenous NGO's, and published informative and analytic works concerning Moldovan election experience.

Last year, in connection with the Presidential elections, IFES provided a range of assistance to the Moldovan Parliament and Central Election Commission (CEC). Prior to the election period, an IFES consultant provided commentary on the Presidential Election Law. IFES consultant Paul DeGregorio was in Moldova during the elections, and assisted in developing the legislative amendments that were adopted in October 1996. IFES also issued a preliminary assessment on the Presidential election.

IFES's experience with elections in Moldova -- particularly last year's Presidential election, in which legislative changes had to be made in the midst of the election period itself -- led it to conclude that it would be desirable for current Moldovan election laws to be reviewed by Parliament, for necessary modifications to be adopted, and for the results to be included in a single election code, which was originally referred to as a Universal Election Code (UEC). IFES also concluded, based on its experience, that steadier improvement of election administration could be achieved in Moldova only through establishment of a permanent central election commission (PCEC).

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