Moldova debates sweeping electoral law reforms as public trust plummets

A round‑table organized by opposition parties in Moldova brought together MPs, diplomats, academics and civil‑society representatives to discuss a new draft law aimed at overhauling the country’s electoral code. Sociologist Ian Lisnevschi warned that confidence in the electoral process has fallen from 42 % in 2020 to 31 %, trust in the institutions that run elections from 39 % to 22 %, and belief in election results to around 25 %.

Former prime minister and current deputy Ion Chicu echoed these concerns, arguing that low public trust blocks major reforms and calling for a transparent, equal voting system for citizens at home and abroad. The opposition’s proposal would increase the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) from seven to nine members, allocate a greater share of seats to opposition factions and civil society, make the CEC president obligatorily an opposition representative, and introduce online transmission of vote counts. It also seeks to limit the exclusion of electoral competitors to final court rulings and to base overseas polling stations solely on pre‑registered voters.

CEC officials defended the existing code, noting compliance with OSCE and Venice Commission recommendations, while opposition deputies stressed that the changes are needed to depoliticize the commission and restore voter confidence.