Revolution for Democracy in Moldova
Moldovans are not Satisfied with the Latest Election's Results
Apr 7, 2009
The latest parliamentary elections in Moldova took place on April 5, 2009 and they ensured another 4 years of governance for the President's Voronin Communist Party, which has been in power for the last 8 years. This result is regarded by most analysts as a confirmation of the fact that Moldova will get closer to Russia and not to the European Union. However, thousands of Moldovans took over the streets of Chisinau, showing the world that the result of the elections does not reflect the people's desire for democracy and European values.
The Results of the Parliamentary Elections in Moldova
The Communist Party led by Vladimir Voronin won 50% of the votes, which translates into 60 seats in the Parliament.
The Centre-Right Opposition Party obtained 12.75% and 15 seats.
The Liberal Democratic Party got only 12.26% of the votes and 14 seats in the Parliament.
The Party Alliance Our Moldova obtained 9.82% of the votes and 11 seats.
Because Moldova has an electoral threshold on 6%, only these 4 parties will form the new parliament. The European Union recommended a lower threshold, so that smaller parties could obtain enough votes and form coalitions inside the parliament, but the Communist leaders rejected these recommendations.
After 2 terms as President of Moldova, Vladimir Voronin will step down, and his successor will be elected by the Parliament. The three opposition parties already announced that they will try to boycott the nominee of the Communists. If the Parliament does not elect a President before June 8, the law states that new elections must be held.
Moldovans Protest against the Communist Rule
Following the results of the election, thousands of people started to protest against the Communist Party on the streets of Chisinau, asking for new parliamentary elections. Although the European Union's Electoral Observation Mission (OSCE) stated that the elections were fair, the general feeling in Moldova is that they were rigged and that it was impossible for the Communist Party to obtain such a high percentage of the votes.
Most of the protesters are young Moldovans who do not agree with the way Communists represent their interests and who want a change in the political landscape, which would bring them closer to the European Union and farther away from the Russian influence. Many of them would also favor a union with Romania, which is a member of the European Union.
Moldova is still the poorest country in Europe, with an average wage of only $250, and with 20% of the population living under the poverty line. There is also the frozen conflict over Transnistria (Trans-Dniester), where Russian forces are still deployed. The ones who protest against the latest elections want to see changes in the economic and political situation and lost all faith that the Communist Party is able or willing to represent their interests.
