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| Liberal-Democrats Bid for Joint Local and Legislative Elections |
| (2011-08-25) |
| Last updated: 2011-08-26 13:55 EET |
Deficit-cutting measures, shorter electoral campaigns and a higher turnout – all these are arguments in favour of holding joint local and legislative elections in Romania. The political class seems willing to reach consensus in this respect, with only some technical issues left pending.
Just days after partial legislative elections were held in two Romanian counties, the debate on holding of joint local and legislative elections is the focal point on the political agenda in Romania. The idea was put forth by PM Emil Boc and, surprisingly enough, seems to enjoy the opposition’s support, too.
The main argument in favour of the new format, the ruling coalition argues, is that it would be a money saver. Costs would go down significantly by organizing two ballots on the same day. In another move, it would also do away with the yearlong electoral mayhem and ensure a higher turnout, given that people take a greater interest in local rather than legislative elections.
Opposition members cast doubt on the financial reasons behind this move, arguing that senior Liberal Democrat Party members are thus trying to tap into this change to boost mayors’ interest and tip the voting balance in their favour.
Freehanded and ingenious with respect to more or less disguised types of electoral bribery, the Liberal-Democrats would thus cut back on their financial resources, opposition members are saying. Even so, the Social Liberal Union would still take their chances with the joint elections scenario, provided that elections are held early next year.
The opposition’s willingness to speed up things springs from an urge to turn their steady lead in electoral polls to good account. Nevertheless, it is a lead that exists only on paper. Proof of that can be found in the clear-cut win the Liberal-Democrats have secured in one constituency, where elections to fill a vacant MP seat were held on Sunday.
Irrespective of party interests however, holding joint elections may by delayed by some technical setbacks, such as amending at least two organic laws. The four-year term of local mayors is due next summer and, according to the existing legislation, can be given an extension in exceptional circumstances only, such as natural disasters or warfare, says Marian Muhulet, vice-president of the Permanent Electoral Authority.
Furthermore, the mandates of senators and deputies are also due to expire this autumn and can be shortened only in special Constitutional circumstances.
Marian Muhulet does however believe joint elections can be held: “The only elections that can be held at present are local elections, but only if legal framework in this respect can be changed by pushing for a new law that should contain provisions with respect to both local and legislative elections. Modifying the existing legislation would translate as doing a patchwork”.
Some voices have already argued in favour of seeing the turbulent economic context as an exceptional situation. The fact that rival political factions, usually at odds with each other, now seem to have reached consensus over holding joint elections, can only boost the likelihood of this scenario.
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