Moldovan Politicians Will Need Intelligence Clearing Before Elections

Moldova's ruling Communist Party has introduced legislation that would require candidates to get a certificate from the intelligence service (SIS) before they could run for office, RFE/RL's Moldovan Service reports.

Those who would refuse to follow the procedure will be deemed ineligible.

The government says the new process will help fight corruption and prevent people who are dangerous to the country from being elected. But the opposition says it's a new attempt by the communists to "purge" adversaries.

The new law, which if adopted will be applied to all civil servants, was passed in a first round of voting by the Moldovan parliament today.