Observator International

On Sunday, September 5th, there was a Constitutional Referendum to amend the way the President of Moldova is selected. This would have amended Article 78 of the Constitution. Voters were asked whether they were

pentru (for)
or
contra (against)

the referendum. The referendum would have provided for direct election of the President (as opposed to selection by Parliament, which had resulted in deadlock and the interim President situation)

I was so pleased to have the opportunity to serve as an International Observer during Sunday's election.

Opinion polls had shown overwhelming support for the proposal; however there were questions as to whether voter turnout would reach the required one third needed for the measure to take effect. (Opponents were urging voters to stay home.)

Here is a link to a BBC story that frames the significance of the referendum:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11190952

And here is a link to the Moldovan Central Election Commission with more information about the electoral process in Moldova.

http://www.voteaza.md/