“To Recall MPs is Undemocratic”. The Head of the EU Delegation in Chisinau Spoke about the Moldovan Referendum

The head of the EU delegation in Chisinau Peter Michalko, commented on the issues of the consultative referendum, which is scheduled to be held in Moldova simultaneously with the parliamentary elections on February 24, 2019. As the diplomat noted, the ability to recall the MPs elected as a result of a popular vote contradicts democratic standards. Mikhalko recalled that the Venice Commission had already spoken out against such a scenario. “The recall of an elected MP during the execution of a mandate is not part of democratic practices. This was stated in the report of the Venice Commission last June and many times before. Obviously, this is not a European practice”, said Mikhalko. The ambassador also spoke about the parliamentary elections. He stated that if the elections are not recognized before they are held, this will mean a very large regression for Moldova. He also recalled that the elections should be held freely, and all parties must ensure equal conditions for participation in them. “These are our expectations, and we anxiously learn that things are going badly”, he added. The parliament approved on November 30 the holding of a national consultative referendum on reducing the number of MPs from 101 to 61 simultaneously with the parliamentary elections on February 24. The referendum will also raise the issue of the possibility of MPs recall by citizens. Source: Newsmaker