The Republic of Moldova, a former Soviet republic, has developed a functional representative democracy, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

Political System

The Republic of Moldova is considered a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Chisinau. The country declared its independence from the Soviet Union on August 27, 1991. The republic officially celebrates its independence on August 27.

Moldova’s current constitution was originally adopted on July 29, 1994 and became effective on August 27, 1994. This document replaced the old 1979 Soviet constitution. The document allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.

Administrative Regions

The Republic of Moldova consists of 32 districts (raions), three municipalities, one autonomous territorial unit, and one territorial unit:

• Balti (municipiul)
• Chisinau (municipiul)
• Tighina/Bender (municipiul)
• Gagauzia (autonomous territorial unit)
• Transnistria - Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (territorial unit)
• Anenii Noi
• Basarabeasca
• Briceni
• Cahul
• Cantemir
• Calarasi
• Causeni
• Cimislia
• Criuleni
• Donduseni
• Drochia
• Dubasari
• Edinet
• Falesti
• Floresti
• Glodeni
• Hincesti
• Ialoveni
• Leova
• Nisporeni
• Ocnita
• Orhei
• Rezina
• Riscani
• Singerei
• Soroca
• Straseni
• Soldanesti
• Stefan Voda
• Taraclia
• Telenesti
• Ungheni

Executive Branch

The President is Moldova’s chief of state. This person is elected by Parliament to a four year term, and is eligible for a second term. Vladimir Voronin, the current President, was elected to the position on April 1, 2001, and is currently serving his second term in office.

The head of government is the Prime Minister, designated by the President after consultation with the Parliament. The Prime Minister-designate must request a vote of confidence from the Parliament within 15 days of his designation. This vote is for approval of a proposed work program and entire cabinet. Vasile Tarlev, the current Prime Minister, was designated to the position on April 15, 2001, and received his vote of confidence on April 19, 2001. The First Deputy Prime Minister is Zinaida Grecanii. Andrei Stratan is also a Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.

The current Cabinet of Ministers includes:

• Agriculture and Food Industry - Anatolie Gorodenco
• Culture and Tourism - Artur Cozma
• Defense - Vitalie Vrabie
• Ecology and Natural Resources - Constantin Mihailescu
• Economy and Commerce - Igor Dodon
• Education and Youth - Victor Tvircun
• Finance - Mihail Pop
• Foreign Affairs and European Integration - Andrei Stratan
• Health - Ion Ababii
• Industry and Infrastructure - Vladimir Antosii
• Informational Development - Vladimir Molojen
• Internal Affairs - Gheorghe Papuc
• Justice - Vitalie Pirlog
• Local Public Administration - Valentin Guznac
• Reintegration - Vasile Sova
• Social Protection, Family and Child - Galina Balmos
• Transport and Road Management - Vasile Ursu

• Chairman of Moldova Academy of Sciences – Gheorghe Duca
• Governor of UTA Gagauzia - Gagauz-Yeri (Gagauz territorial unit) - Mihail Formuzal

Legislative branch

Moldova’s Parliament (Parlamentul) is a unicameral body consisting of 101 officials. Members serve four year terms and come from parties and electoral blocs that are elected by popular vote.

The current structure of the Parliament, by political party is (number of seats):

• Communist Party of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) - 56
• Democratic Moldova Bloc - 34
• Christian Democratic People's Party (PPCD) - 11

Judicial branch

The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme and Constitutional Courts. The Constitutional Court is the sole authority on constitutional matters.

Legal system

The Moldovan legal system is based on civil law. The Constitutional Court reviews the legality of legislative acts and governmental decisions of resolution. Moldova accepts many US and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) documents, but has not accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction.

References

Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.

Government of Republic of Moldova Official Website.

Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica Official Website.

Republic of Moldova Official Website.