Moldovan president, other politicians participate in referendum, while liberals urge citizens to boycott voting

Chisinau, 19 November /MOLDPRES/ – The head of state, Igor Dodon, representatives of the Socialists’ Party of Moldova (PSRM) and Partidul Nostru (Our Party) participated at the local referendum for the dismissal of Chisinau mayor general Dorin Chirtoaca today. Also, the head of liberal faction in Chisinau Municipal Council (CMC), Ion Cebanu, told the agency that the referendum would be illegal and urged the Chisinau people to boycott it.

President, Igor Dodon, presented to ballot box with the first lady, Galina Dodon. The official said that it has been very important that Chisinau inhabitants today being able to express themselves to situation in Moldovan capital and its leadership. "The fact that this referendum is taking place is already a success today, whether or not citizens will benefit from it. All these years, expectations for actions of Dorin Chirtoaca have been much higher, but the reality is different. We want order in the city, children to have playgrounds and not so many illegal buildings, so I urge all citizens to vote. Today we have the chance to change things for better," said Dodon.

At her turn, PSRM leader, Zinaida Greceanii, urged citizens to vote. "It is important to participate in referendum and show that this city, which is in a disastrous state, is not indifferent to us. After this referendum, another mayor must be elected, who will make changes in Moldovan capital. I personally voted for a better Chisinau," said Greceanii.

CMC Socialists’ faction leader, Ion Ceban, said he voted for a more beautiful city. "We want no corruption in Chisinau city hall. If this referendum is not passed, then we will announce the actions we will undertake," said Ceban.

The chairman of the CMC Our Party faction, Ilian Casu, said today he voted for a transparent, non – corrupt city hall. "I voted for the good of the city. I would like the voters to realize that the referendum is an instrument of citizens through which they can express their opinions democratically, but not PR actions in which some politicians transformed it," said Casu.  

Interviewed by agency, leader of CMC Liberal faction, Ion Cebanu, said that referendum on dismissal of the mayor of Chisinau would be illegal, and electoral campaign was incorrect, because Chisinau mayor was not able to participate in it. "The accusations that nothing has been done these years are not true, as we know that there are many good things that have been done while Chirtoaca was the mayor, so we call citizens to boycott the referendum," said Cebanu.

There were two political parties in the electoral campaign of local referendum on dismissal of mayor general of Chisinau: Socialists’ Party of Moldova (PSRM) and Liberal Party (PL). The other parties announced to boycot referendum or not get involved at all.

Dorin Chirtoaca has been the head of Chisinau since 2007, in his third term at present. The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) offered almost MDL 9 million for referendum organisation.

Almost 28,000 citizens voted, representing around 4.5 per cent of the total voter turnout by 11:00 a.m.

(Reporter A. Ciobanu, editor A. Raileanu)