As Moldovans continue to protest the judicial nullification of mayoral election results in the capital city of Chișinău, the Atlantic Council asked a panel of international experts–including ICDS non-resident research fellow Emmet Tuohy–to weigh in.
According to Tuohy: “The court rulings and public protests over the past week present cause for worry as well as for reassurance. The decisions taken on questionable grounds indicate that progress in judicial reforms—for years a major focus of investment by international donors—is simply unsatisfactory. Nevertheless, the fact that so many people are turning out in the streets to demand that the results be respected despite the continuing impact of the safety valve of emigration suggests that there is still a strong constituency for reform in the country. Moldova has made considerable strides forward in recent years, notably in security sector reform and energy security. However, the country’s pro-European leaders both inside and outside parliament must act fast to build on the protests’ momentum and prepare to deliver results to their citizens—especially as the critical November elections approach.”
Read more: http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/q-a-what-s-behind-moldova-s-massive-protests