Moldovan cabinet sets rules of selecting candidates for office of Constitutional Court judge

Chisinau, 1 July /MOLDPRES/ - The government, at a today’s meeting, approved a regulation on the organization and holding of the contest for the selection of the candidates for the office of judge of the Constitutional Court (CCM) on behalf of the cabinet.  

Under the regulation, the candidates for the position of CCM judge must meet the following requirements: they must hold the citizenship of Moldova; should have a length of service of 15 years in legal activity, in the higher legal education or in scientific activity and enjoy and irreproachable reputation. At the same time,   candidates who have not reached the age of 70 years and have no ban for holding a public office or responsible public office will be eligible.

The contest will be organized and carried out by a special commission, made up of the justice minister, the government’s deputy secretary general, in charge of the governmental acts, the Ombudsman or a representative delegated by the Ombudsman, two representatives of the civil society, delegated by the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Platform, a former judge of the Constitutional Court with irreproachable reputation and a PhD in law with irreproachable reputation. The Contest Commission will be assisted by a psychologist and a specialist in human resources’ management.    

Candidates will be assessed based on the files submitted and subsequently they will participate in the interview examination. The first two candidates with the largest number of points will be declared winners of the contest and will be introduced to the government to be appointed to the office of Constitutional Court judge.   

Last week, the magistrates of the Constitutional Court resigned from office in corpore. Afterwards, PM Maia Sandu informed that the cabinet would nominate two judges for the top court by contest.   

The Constitutional Court is made up of six judges. Two judges are nominated by the parliament, two ones by the government and two – by the Superior Council of Magistracy.