Can political parties ensure democratic development in Moldova?
Stela Mocan, Moldova
The type of party system in newly established democracies and the quality of political parties are two critical elements of a diverse, inclusive and fully representative political system. The primary role of parties in building democracy is taken for granted in transition states. However, very few of the latter pay much heed to the quality of political parties and other components needed to build fully functional democratic institutions. Moldovan democracy is weak in terms of values, procedures and institutions.
By comparison, the United Kingdom has a democratic political system that is inclusive and representative. This system enables citizens to participate actively and express their policy choices through horizontal and vertical channels of communication and networking. Such a framework assists interaction between state and non-state actors on issues of governance, policy and law-making. Although in western democracies there is some debate on the failure of political parties to act as the link between society and the state, they nevertheless represent the only mechanisms for aggregating people’s interests and shaping public policies according to people’s expectations and needs. Political parties in UK are representative organizations, well-equipped to perform in a competitive environment and contribute significantly to strengthening the democratic system.
In Moldova, democracy encounters serious practical problems because the ruling elite equates it with majority rule without due respect for minority views and constitutionally guaranteed rights. The rule of the Communist Party since 2001, weak opposition parties and a political culture that has not fully absorbed democratic values have led to a situation where the democratic framework and its institutions are constitutionally enshrined, but are under serious strain in practice. Parliament is not really receptive to alternative opinions and policy recommendations. In Moldova there are civil networks but little communication between NGOs and political parties. Political parties, in government or opposition, do not engage in regular dialogue with civic groups to develop inclusive, comprehensive public policies and governance programmes.
A viable democracy entails extensive cooperation between the government and opposition parties. For countries like Moldova, struggling to build democratic institutions and processes, the development of good working relationships between parties is of key importance and will have a significant influence on the future of democracy. According to Freedom House’s 2005 Nations in Transition Report, Moldova’s rating for national democratic governance is a poor 5.75, reflecting the absence of effective checks and balances.
It is not the quantity but the quality of political parties that has had most impact on the development of democracy in Moldova. Currently, there are 22 registered political parties, but only five represented in parliament. Moldovan parties are lacking in internal democracy, strong and sustainable organizations, accountability and responsiveness, policy expertise in areas of interest to voters, and the ability to lobby on behalf of their constituents. This significantly limits their ability to develop and sustain democracy. It also highlights a more general problem common to countries of the ‘third wave’: the practice of democracy depends very much on the willingness of key actors – political parties, civil organizations, business, etc. - to play according to democratic rules.
A winner-takes-all approach is still very evident in the mindset and behaviour of the ruling elite. Formally, opposition parties can participate in government. In reality, however, they have great difficulty in getting their message across and their policy recommendations included in legislation. This is because the ruling Communist Party still plays the democratic game according to Soviet rules, excluding opposition parties and civic groups from a more active role in decision-making.
At the same time, the performance of opposition political parties shows that they still lack the capacity to fulfil their roles as outlined in the Constitution and national legislation. They have a poor understanding of how the ruling party governs the country, and do not know how to promote alternative policies, programmes and draft laws. In order to function effectively as opposition parties, they need to develop strong and democratic party organizations, greater expertise, and accountable and responsible leaders able to reach out to citizens. Democracy in Moldova will depend to a great extent on viable political parties equipped to perform their primary functions in a democratic system. In this, they have much to learn from their British counterparts.