The “Voice of the Roma” Coalition calls on the Roma community to vote in the constitutional referendum and the presidential election on October 20. The Coalition’s leaders support Moldova’s accession to the European Union and in a news conference at IPN explained that this process will facilitate the integration of the Roma as an ethnic minority.
Secretary general of the “Voice of the Roma” Coalition Silvia Feraru, urged both the Roma and other citizens of the Republic of Moldova to go to the polls. “For many times our community is regarded through the angle of stereotypes and prejudice, but when we vote, we take an active role in society, we demonstrate that we are an integral part of this nation, that we care about our common future,” she said.
According to Silvia Feraru, EU integration is a strategic objective for the Republic of Moldova, which will provide access to the European market, funds for the development and improvement of the quality of life and the promotion of human rights, equal opportunities and protection of ethnic minorities.
Elena Sârbu, a member of the “Voice of the Roma” Coalition and president of the Roma Women’s Platform “Romni”, stressed that employment, education, health and living would be the essential areas in the Roma integration process, and the EU would provide applicable public policies for maintaining and implementing them.
The Roma community was informed about the electoral campaign and the falsehoods that are and could still be distributed during the electoral process. “We warned about the massive disinformation spread among the Roma community. So, we guided them so that they understand what is true and what is false,” said the executive director of the National Association of Community Mediators Valeriu Căldăraru.
Also, the leaders of the “Voice of the Roma” Coalition urged the members of the Central Election Commission to treat the Roma community with respect and fairness and to extend electoral information among members of this ethnic group in order to encourage a more active participation in future elections.
Note: IPN Agency offers the right of reply to persons who consider that they were affected by the articles produced based on the statements of the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference in similar conditions.
Roma community encouraged to exercise right to vote on Oct. 20
