Moldova's ruling alliance decides to hold referendum on new constitution
Moldova's ruling alliance has decided we will have a referendum this year to approve a new constitution. This way an early parliamentary election will be avoided.
Under current legislation, Moldova should hold an early parliamentary election in the autumn after the parliament elected on 29 July 2009 failed to elect the country's president.
The decision was taken after more than two hours of negotiations. The leaders of the alliance said that the referendum would take place in mid June. It is not clear how many articles will be changed. Neither it is known whether the president will be elected by direct vote [in parliament] or in a general election. The opposition Communists have not commented on the alliance's decision yet. According to the Central Electoral Commission, 35m lei (about 2.5m dollars) will be necessary to hold a referendum.
Here is what leaders of political parties that form the ruling alliance had to say about their decision:
Mihai Ghimpu, leader of the Liberal Party and acting president: "We have already said what the decision is: a new constitution and a referendum. At the first stage we will pass a law on the adoption of a new constitution. On the basis of this law, parliament will pass the constitution article by article after which it will be subjected to a referendum."
Vlad Filat, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party and prime minister: "Once a new constitution is adopted, the current parliament will carry out its mandate until the end. And this mandate was given for four years."
Marian Lupu, leader of the Democratic Party: "The part of the constitution that will be subjected to a referendum should be so attractive for the majority of the population that the referendum is successful."
Serafim Urechean, leader of the Our Moldova Alliance and first deputy speaker: "We will gradually inform you about the mechanism or mechanisms for electing the president. The referendum will fit into the requirements of the legislation in force. I mean, all the procedures will be organized within the framework of the legislation in force."
ProTV, Moldovan private TV channel
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