Guest writer Mariana Ganea followed the recent elections in Romania and draws some conclusions after the battle seems to have been won (read about the election results here). 

I should start by admitting that I didn't sleep a lot on election night as I was watching political news on TV. I’m not involved in any political party but, but as a citizen of my country I’m interested in what is happening. So, I voted on Sunday following my conscience and now I’m waiting for the final results. I don't think the election was a surprise because, as usual, the Romanians voted only against something, instead of voting for something.

In my opinion, there are few lessons to learn for every political actor following these elections.

For the Social Liberal Union (USL) it is very important to understand and to accept that their huge percent is due to the interminable  war with the President Traian Basescu and that they won mostly due to the Basescu’s actions and the EU influence on the referendum results, which made many people angry. If the USL understand this very simple truth and work carefully and professionally then maybe, they, will  have success in medium term, if Romanians keep on suffering and hoping.

For the Democratic Liberal Party (PDL) the lesson is very tough and the part members should re-build their lost power and credibility on a daily basis, taking into account a few things such as focusing on the foreign support, promoting a professional and credible team and, last but not least giving up their arrogance.

For the Right Romania Alliance (ARD), I think the work needed is much more complex because the party must clarify its doctrine, its tasks and public relations and its members should begin to build a real, modern and European, center right political force.

Regarding the People's Party (PP), I'm not sure its members can learn anything, so I don’t want to spend too much time on this topic. The only thing I would say is that as a Romanian citizen, I am uncomfortable knowing that such a party has seats in our Parliament.

The Magyar Union (UDMR), as usual is playing for both sides, but its politicians should accept that in politics as in life nothing is permanent, so, if they join the new Parliament , an alliance with the winner could be deadly, all depending on the weaknesses of the winners.

Anyway, these are few lessons which I think all political forces should learn. However, the most important is the future. For the coming days and the medium and long term future, I would like to ask 10 questions:

1. Will the high percentage won by the USL persuade President Basescu to nominate USL co-leader Victor Ponta as PM ? If not, what new arguments will start?

2. Will the Parliament be efficient?

3. Is it moral to gain a seat in the Parliament via the strange method of calculating the winning mandates?

4. Are the new members of the Parliament real professionals and moral people?

5. Will the new MPs be able to solve the problems of this country?

6. Will the new MPs have the morality, the desire and the enthusiasm to work for the people ?

7. Will the new Government be a team of honest, professional, open minded and experienced people ?

8. Will the new Government members convince the EU and NATO of their its good intentions?

9. Will the new parliamentary majority have the balance needed to keep the USL always from a party-state ?

10. In the end, will Romanians be happier ?

Who knows...

By Mariana Ganea, Guest Writer