The Constitutional Court stated that Moldova’s President Igor Dodon can’t dissolve the Parliament and launch early elections in the last six months of his term. The Court also mentioned that presidential elections can’t be held on the same day as the parliamentary elections. While a deputy from the Action and Solidarity Party stated that parliamentary elections should be held as early as possible (according to the law), the leader of the Pro Moldova Party claims that the parties should form a new government and oust the Socialist-Democratic government.

In May 2020, deputy Vasile Bolea, from the parliamentarian faction of the Socialist Party, and deputy Sergiu Litvinenco, from the parliamentarian faction of the Action and Solidarity Party, asked the Constitutional Court to issue an official response if it would be legal to hold parliamentary elections together with the presidential elections and if President Igor Dodon can dissolve the parliament in the last six months of his term. 

Constitutional Court’s Answer

On July 7, the Constitutional Court stated that Moldova’s President Igor Dodon can’t dissolve the Parliament and launch early elections in the last six months of his term.

At the same time, the Constitutional Court magistrates rejected the notification no. 83b / 2020 that refers to the procedure to be followed for organizing early parliamentary elections and presidential elections on the same day.

The judges ruled that the dissolution of the Parliament in the last six months of the mandate of Moldova’s President is prohibited in any circumstance. The judges also ruled that holding two elections in the same period is permitted, but with the exception of parliamentary elections and presidential elections, ordinary or early.

Presidential elections are scheduled for November 1, 2020. Currently, the coalition formed by the Socialist and the Democratic Parties remained with 50 seats.

Deputies’ Opinion

Litvinenco stated that Moldova can’t go on with a Parliament that has ties with Vladimir Plahotniuc, Moldova’s oligarch. 

“Regardless of everything, I do not think that Moldova has any chance to go ahead with a Parliament that has ties to Plahotniuc. I really don’t think so.

The earliest possibility to dissolve the Parliament (according to the law) is December 24, 2020, but we must also see the considerations,” the parliamentarian specified. 

Following the Constitutional Court’s decision, Pro Moldova Party, led by Andrian Candu, Plahotniuc’s godson, stated that the opposition must cease exercises of legal ingenuity and to install a Government capable of relaunching the economy. 

“The competition of pride must be stopped because we are on the verge of social revolts due to the deepening poverty, as well as the injustice in the country. The Constitutional Court issued a decision that leaves no room for interpretation. From now on, the exercises of legal ingenuity must be stopped and a Government, capable of relaunching the economy and ensuring the safety of the people in Moldova, must be formed,” said Candu.

The Presidency’s Answer

Dodon considers that the decision issued by the Constitutional Court is predictable. 

In a comment for ZdG, the Presidency claims that the current Parliament is compromised, and the only chance to be cleansed of people with ties with the oligarchs is the dissolution of the Parliament and holding a new election. 

Previously Dodon was categorically against holding parliamentary elections.

“We remain convinced that the current Parliament has been compromised, it is made up of many defecting deputies and people of the oligarchy, therefore this Parliament must be reset and cleaned of people with ties with the oligarchs.

We will act according to the will of the people and if necessary, we will organize early parliamentary elections as soon as possible from a legal point of view,” said the head of the press service of the presidential institution, Carmena Sterpu.