Report to IFES : Technical Assistance Project, Republic of Moldova (Nov 22-24, 1998)

Background

Consultant Paul DeGregorio has provided technical assistance to the Republic of Moldova on five separate occasions since April 1995. During his visits, he has worked with the Central Election Commission, the presidency, the parliament, political parties and numerous non-government organizations involved in the electoral process in Moldova. The consultant is well-respected in Moldova and has provided assistance in the areas of election administration, election law changes, observer training, and voter and civic education. His presence in Moldova was part of IFES's continuing efforts to provide the Republic of Moldova with technical advice and assistance in the area of democracy and human rights.

Summary of Assistance

The Consultant spent three days (22-24 November 1998) in the Republic of Moldova to provide technical assistance to officials involved in the writing of electoral legislation and the implementation of election laws. Those he met with included Cornel Gurin, Andrei Funieru, Alexandru Cobzaru, and Ion Creanga of the legal department (Juridic) of the Moldovan parliament; Central Election Commission Chairman Dumitru Nidelcu and Anatol Puica, Secretaryofthe CEC; and Mr. Mihai Petrache, legal advisor to President Luchinski. During his discussions, the consultant was accompanied by IFES/Washington Program Officer Mike Conway, IFES/Moldova staff members Igor Bo_an, Principal Program Coordinator, and Mr. Gabriel Mumjiev, Program Coordinator. In addition to his meetings, the consultant provided IFES/Moldova with guidance regarding proposed electoral legislation and clarification involving decisions of the CEC.

During his discussions, the consultant listen to the concerns of the officials regarding changes needed in the current Moldovan code and gave advice to these officials and to IFES/Moldova regarding several proposals presented to him. The meetings are detailed on the following pages along with recommendations.