The concept of a new Electoral Code today was discussed at a meeting held at the parliament’s headquarters. Attending the event were MPs, representatives of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC), extra-parliamentary parties and the civil society.
The document provides for possibility to organize elections in several electoral districts during two days – on Saturday and Sunday. This might occur in exceptional situations, such as pandemic or emergency state. At the same time, the new Code proposes the cutting of the number of CEC members to seven people from nine, as it is at present.
The draft law establishes also principles on the coverage of the elections by mass media. The media institutions will be obliged to observe the principles of equity, balance and impartiality, in the context of publicizing electoral campaigns. Otherwise, they run the risk of being gradually sanctioned by the Audiovisual Council.
„The document is meant to implement more recommendations of international organizations and to adjust the legislation to the notices repeatedly made at the Constitutional Court,’’ the head of the parliament’s juridical commission for appointments and immunities, Olesea Stamate, said.
The draft Electoral Code will be considered in the standing commissions and afterwards will be submitted to parliament for adoption.