A Changing Society

Recent History & Politics

Following Moldova’s declaration of Independence in 1991 there was a short but very brutal civil war between those embracing Moldovan nationality and those still loyal to the old USSR. The result is one of the last remaining ‘frozen conflicts’ from the Soviet era, resulting in a break away Republic called Transdnistria or the area beyond the Nistru river in eastern Moldova on the border of the Ukraine. This accounts for about one-eight of both the land mass and population of Moldova and it has declared itself to be an independent state although it has no official recognition.

Latest Update of Political Events in Moldova.

Sunday April 05 2009 was the date of General Election in the Republic of Moldova. The results saw the Communist party win  with 49.48% of the votes, seeing the Opposition parties (PLDM, PL & AMN) receiving an overall combined total of 35.34% of the votes (rest going to independents). Mass protests and demonstrations started the next day citing election fraud and the situation quickly deteriorated into violence. 

Moldova experienced 3 days of widespread unrest, until it was announced that there would be a recount and verification of votes cast. As for the future of Moldova? Much will depends on the 3rd June 2009. For further updates on the political situation you can read the Moldova Today Newspaper (Moldova Azi).

If the Communist party do not receive 61 of the 101 parliamentary votes, they can not elect a new president, they currently have 60 seats in the newly formed Parliament, thus they have 60 confirmed votes. The opposition parties have the remaining 41 seats and thus the remaining 41 votes. On the 20th May 2009 the opposition parties walked out of the Presidential elections, refusing to vote for the proposed communist party candidate, leaving the communist party with only 60 of the 61 votes needed to succeed. 

On the 3rd June 2009 there will be another Parliamentary vote and if it remains that the final vote is not forthcoming for the communist party candidate, (now know as the Golden Vote) they must dissolve the current Parliament and announce a new General Election for August/Sept 2009.