Liberal progress in Moldova (North Devon Liberal Democrats)

North Devon Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Liberal progress in Moldova

December 1, 2010 12:00 AM
Originally published by Sir Graham Watson MEP

Liberal, Europe-leaning parties triumphed over Communists in elections held in Moldova on Sunday (28 November), where the Alliance for European Integration (AEI) secured the support of around 50% of voters and took 59 seats.

The election comes a few days after ALDE MEP Graham Watson took through the European Parliament a Resolution that leaves the door open for further Moldovan participation in EU programmes. Watson, rapporteur for the European Parliament on Moldova, commented on the election results;

"The results show that a growing majority of Moldovans is in favour of a pro-European liberal political course. However, it is disappointing that the liberal democratic alliance parties appear to fall short of the required 61 parliamentary votes necessary to elect a new president. All parties should now look for ways to end the political crisis and give the country the leadership it deserves."

Watson also paid tribute to the AMN party which he regretted had failed to be returned to parliament, but pointed out that liberals of all colours have an important role to play in the current political situation. He said:

"I will continue to do all I can as ELDR Vice-President and EP rapporteur for Moldova to help the country's leaders build the liberal and democratic society that voters have called for. Moldovan liberals have some tough work to do and we must do all we can to support them."

Background:

Moldova gained independence from Russia in 1991 and has since been politically divided between Western-leaning parties pushing for EU membership and the Communist party which favours closer ties with Russia.

Last night's parliamentary election was the country's third in two years after political deadlock meant that neither side has had the required majority to elect a president since 2009.

The constitution calls for the president to be chosen by at least 60% of the representatives in the 101-seat parliament.

In April 2009, riots broke out in Chisinau, Moldova's capital, when opponents claimed the Communist Party had rigged the vote to hold on to power. A new election in July 2009 was won by pro-Western parties but without the sufficient majority to elect a president. New parliamentary elections were called for the 28th November 2010 in the hope to break the political deadlock.