Parties and Party System in Moldova, 1990-2002

Abstract

After briefly reviewing the political history of the region now comprising the Republic of Moldova, which declared its independence from the USSR in 1991, the development of its contemporary party system is examined as part of the larger process of democratization. The rise & alignment of both external & internal parties is linked to preexisting cleavages, particularly that between center & periphery, &, to a lesser extent, that between church & state & rich & poor. The constitutional & legal context of party development is explored & results of recent elections are analyzed. Though the present party system remains unstable, Moldova has achieved democratic, free, & competitive elections during its first decade of independent existence. 5 Tables. K. Hyatt Stewart