Moldova to hold presidential election in October
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 1 April 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Moldova to hold presidential election in October, 1 April 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5768ffd313.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 01, 2016
Moldova's parliament has announced the country will hold a presidential election on October 30, the first time the public, and not parliament, will pick the head of state of the small, impoverished European country since 2001.
A court in early March ruled in favor of having a direct national election to choose a president rather than a vote in parliament – a concession to protesters who have been demonstrating for months against the political elite.
The four-year term of the current president, Nicolae Timofti, expired in March, but he will continue to carry out his duties until his successor is sworn in.
In a related development, Moldova's parliament on March 31 approved a statement to pursue tougher legislation to punish those who undermine the country's "sovereignty, independence, and permanent neutrality."
The parliamentary action came after a large rally in the capital, Chisinau, on March 27 to demand Moldova's "reunification" with Romania.
Most of today's Moldova was before WWII part of Romania, with which it shares a common language and culture.
Based on reporting by RFE/RL's Moldovan Service, Interfax, and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
