Democracy on the Dniester

A new wind is blowing in Pridnestrovie. After fourteen elections the young country has gotten the formula right: Democracy is a reality on the banks of the Dniester River today.

153 international election observers agree, as do the 112 journalists which covered the country's last election. A member of Parliament from Poland calls Pridnestrovie the "most open and transparent" democracy in the entire Black Sea region. The European Union calls Pridnestrovie "open" and recognizes the country's democratic reform. [ More ]

The latest election, in December 2005, was won by the opposition party 'Renewal'; defeating the ruling party 'Respublica'. Following the win, a new generation of reformers were swept into power with the election of Yevgeny Shevchuk as chairman and Parliamentary Speaker. Eugene, as he is known to his followers, is just 37 years old and a former bank manager.

Pridnestrovie was democratically founded, by a citizen referendum to protect minority rights. And the future will be democratic, too: With continued independence or future federation proposals decided the the democratic way, by letting people vote. A people hungry for freedom and determined to shape their own destiny.

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SURVEY: Pridnestrovie "independent, open, democratic" Not only do Pridnestrovians support their nation's current independence, they also have great trust in its democratic institutions. And as a survey finds, living standards are better than in Moldova. The European Union recognizes Pridnestrovie's democratic reforms and open, market-oriented economy... [more] ELECTIONS: Voters support independence by wide margin (Some) international observers call elections free, democratic Polish MP hails election as region's "most open and transparent" Opposition wins in democratic election [more] RELATED SUBJECTS: Free elections Human rights and minority protection Government Independence, sovereignty and the birth of the nation Statehood

DEMOCRACY: Direct democracy in action: Tiraspol's 6th mass congress of freedom In Tiraspol, a huge democracy get-together is now becoming an annual institution. It succesfully brings elected officials from all levels together to decide the future of Pridnestrovie. Moldovans outnumber ethnic Russians and they are determined to forge ahead with the republic's independence....[more] Read more: Democracy aspires to Swiss model Polish MP hails election as region's "most open and transparent" Referendum on independence or federation with Moldova Pridnestrovie: Founded on minority rights Open mike: Youth activists speak out Renewal, Pridnestrovie's reformist opposition party Town meeting Wrapped in the country Civic political workshop Reformer Yevgeny Shevchuk, new head of Parliament