Electoral Commission Targets ȘANSĂ Finances
The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has formally asked the Ministry of Justice to compel the ȘANSĂ Political Party to disclose information regarding the financing of its campaign for the November 5, 2023, local general elections.
The CEC initiated an investigation into election financing on November 8th. However, it reports that party representatives declined to cooperate with the electoral authority and failed to provide requested documentation.
Representatives of the Șansă Party maintain that they have submitted all required reports and will issue a further comment on the CEC's allegations at a later time.
According to a CEC press release, the institution's investigative group lacked direct access to essential accounting records held by the ȘANSĂ Party. Consequently, the investigation was restricted to examining financial reports, data from the State Fiscal Service and General Inspectorate of Border Police, and information acquired independently by the group.
On January 5, 2024, the CEC filed contravention cases against the ȘANSĂ Party leader, treasurer, and 76 donors based on evidence suggesting potential violations of electoral law.
Electoral legislation permits restrictions on a political party's activity should its actions significantly undermine political pluralism or fundamental democratic principles.
When contacted by Radio Moldova, Alexei Lungu, president of the Șansă Party, asserted that all legally mandated reports have been submitted and that further details will be provided later.
"We have complied with legal requirements by sending and submitting all necessary reports. Our representative at the CEC, along with our team, will carefully examine the CEC's response and issue a statement addressing their requests."
The Șansă Party was disqualified from the November 5, 2023, local general elections by the Commission for Emergency Situations just two days prior to the vote.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
