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Moldova’s court to consider legitimacy of presidential election

Moldova’s parliament has been failing for two and a half years to overcome the political crisis – deputies cannot elect a president

CHISINAU, January 11 (Itar-Tass) —— Moldova’s constitutional court will consider on Thursday legitimacy of the first round of the presidential election at the parliament on December 16.

Deputy Mikhai Godya, the initiator of the case, claimed that during the secret voting at the parliament some deputies violated the constitution as they demonstrated cameras their filled in ballots. If judges agree with Godya’s arguments, the elections will be considered illegal, and the parliament will have to appoint them once again. In this case, the presidential election run-off due on January 15 will be cancelled.

Moldova’s parliament has been failing for two and a half years to overcome the political crisis – deputies cannot elect a president. The three parties of the ruling alliance have 59 mandates, while a presidential candidate should be supported by at least 61 votes. The opposing communist party, which insists the ruling coalition should be dismissed, boycotted the election. Three other deputies headed by Igor Dodon voted against, as they demand a candidate, who does not belong to any party.

By the run-off, Lupu declared he would not run for presidency.

“Thus we shall have new ways to search for a decision regarding the election, and it would keep the ruling alliance,” he said. The party of communists nominated former head of the National Bank Leonid Talmach.

Presidential candidates may present necessary documents till Thursday, which is three days before the election. This attempt may become the last one – if it fails, the parliament should be dismissed and new elections are to be appointed. But earlier deputies adopted addendums, which say that an election attempt may be annulled if a candidate is not present or the quorum of 61 deputy is not registered.