Bloc of Communists and Socialists Lead Protest Against Postal Voting
On Wednesday, leaders and supporters of the Bloc of Communists and Socialists (BCS) convened to protest against the initiative put forth by the Action and Solidarity Party to implement postal voting.
Some demonstrators gathered outside the Central Electoral Commission, asserting that this is an endeavour to manipulate the forthcoming presidential election. Concurrently, others assembled to voice opposition against exorbitant prices.
One protester articulated, "Elections and referendums are distinct matters. We adamantly oppose remote voting methods, such as voting via phone, and express our dissent through our signatures." Another protester highlighted concerns over the discriminatory nature of the initiative, stating, "We have congregated here to thwart the allowance of postal voting. While the diaspora from Russia and Magadan are denied the right to vote, those residing in America are granted this privilege."
Further commentary from demonstrators elucidated their motivation, "Our sole objective is to safeguard against electoral malfeasance. While authorities seek solutions, we stand resolutely opposed."
Simultaneously, while some voiced opposition to the proposed introduction of postal voting, others directed their protest towards the Central Electoral Commission, decrying inflated tariffs on utilities and foodstuffs.
One protester declared, "I protest in an effort to mitigate the burden of utility bills, including those for natural gas and electricity. We, as pensioners, implore authorities to consider our plight." Echoing this sentiment, another protester lamented, "What prospects do we have for sustenance in Moldova? Our pensions are meagre, utility bills are exorbitant, leaving us struggling to make ends meet."
Furthermore, a counter-protest materialised in front of the Central Electoral Commission, with one protester asserting, "These protests are funded by taxpayers' money, syphoned from the national budget. The motives of those assembled here at the Commission are antithetical to the interests of the state; their actions seek to undermine and dismantle it, steering the nation towards Moscow."
The legislative proposal outlining the pilot program for postal voting for diaspora residing in the USA and Canada received governmental approval. Scheduled for review by the Central Electoral Commission, this project is slated for discussion during the parliamentary session scheduled for March 21.
According to proponents, notably deputies from the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), the primary objective is to streamline diaspora citizens' access to voting and enhance the organisation of elections conducted abroad. President Maia Sandu emphasised in a press conference held on Monday that the decision to pilot postal voting in the United States and Canada is a direct response to the appeals of nationals in these countries, grappling with logistical challenges in accessing polling stations.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
