Home > 6.3 Constitution of the list of candidates > MOLDOVA - Joint Opinion on the Draft Laws on Amending and Completing Certain Legislative Acts (Electoral System for the Election of the Parliament)
 
 
 
Download file    
 
 
Paragraph 69
 

The draft provides for the possibility to replace candidates both in the nationwide and in single-mandate constituencies up to seven days before elections (Articles 82-83). Although the principle of free mandate does not in principle forbid political parties to modify the list of candidates, such late modifications limit the rights of candidates to be elected - the person does not have the possibility to be registered in another list of candidates or as an independent candidate - and raise questions as to internal party democracy. The possibility of a late replacement facilitates centralised control over the candidates, including those in single-member constituencies, who may in practice be dependent on the party leadership. In addition, late changes to party lists have the potential to confuse voters or leave them uninformed about who is on the lists, potentially impacting their choice. It is recommended to adjust the deadline for the withdrawal of candidates to avoid replacements late in the process.