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15 November 2020
Time: 2:00 p.m.

Promo-LEX Observation Mission of the Presidential Election in the Republic of Moldova of 1 (15) November 2020 informs that as of 2:00 p.m. the Mission had received 337 incident reports from observers, Promo-LEX analytical team processed 221 reports, and this press release contains information on 159 incidents:

For the first round of presidential elections of 1 November 2020, as of 2:00 p.m., the Promo-LEX OM found 326 incidents, of which the 196 were processed by the central team of the Promo-LEX, and the press release at 2:00 p.m. contained information on 161 incidents.

New details on the conduct of election:

Promo-LEX Observation Mission of the Presidential Election in the Republic of Moldova of 1 (15) November 2020 finds,

Intimidation of observers or restriction of free observation in the polling station – 3 cases

• PS 1/196, Chisinau, Riscani. The PEB Chairperson told the observer he was not allowed to make pictures inside the polling station.
• PS 16/1 Edinet, Edinet. The Promo-LEX observer was insulted and admonished by the PEB Chairperson. This was due to the fact that the observer reported an incident.
• Brinzeni, Edinet. At 11:45 a.m. the Promo-LEX observer was denied the access in the Psycho-neurological Hospital from Brinzeni v. Although the observer was equipped with gloves, mask and face shield, he was not allowed to enter because he had no protection costume. The employees from the facility said they had a possible case of Covid-19. Nonetheless, the PEB members and the observers of both candidates entered the hospital with the mobile ballot box.

Cases of offering money to voters – 1 case.

• The transnistrian region, Bender municipality. Promo-LEX observers found that after voting, the voters from the transnistrian region go to ‘BAM’ sector of Bender municipality, near the shop Hermes. There, after presenting the loose leaf of the ID with the stamp for the presidential elections, they get MDL 400. For that, they should sign on a record list. According to the observers, only those who were previously included on the lists receive money. According to the lady responsible for the list, she has to report for the distributed money.

Rumors, attempts or even situations of in-kind or cash rewards offered to voters within the area of 100 m from the polling station in order to influence them – 11 cases.

• PS 37/37 transnistrian region, Rezina. One voter asked the observer to pay him for his vote. He said that he heard that at the PSs opened for the voters form the transnistrian region, voters are paid with MDL 800.
• PS 37/37 transnistrian region. At 9:47 a.m., two voters were speaking about the fact that they had to go and report to the ‘Plant’ that they voted. These voters were in two cars together with four other individials.
• PS 15/010 Dubasari, Molovata Noua. Near the PS, the drivers of the vehicles with transnistrian registration plates speak about the fact that they receive MDL 100 for every route from the transnistrian region to the PS.
• PS 24/028, Ocnita, Mihalaseni. Various individuals informed the observer that at the bar near the PS, the voters receive money after voting for a contender.
• PS 15/005 Dubasari, Cosnita. At 10:45 a.m. a voter, after voting, asked an observer/representative of an election contender what he will receive.
• PS 37/19, Causeni, Farladeni. Voters from the transnistrian region, during the discussions with other voters, said they were promised MDL 700 each for voting for a candidate.
• PS 37, Causeni, Hagimus. According to the observer, a voter from the transnistrian region received 200 transnistrian roubles for voting for a candidate.
• PS 37/3, transnistrian region, Anenii Noi. The voters discuss within the PS about the fact that at the exit of the polling stations people receive bags.
• PS 31/021, Soldanesti, Mihuleni. At the entry of the PS, around 11:30 a.m., two groups of about 4-5 individuals urged the voters to vote for a candidate. Later, the observer saw how two individuals received MDL 400 each in banknotes of MDL 200. When the observer tried to get closer to these individuals, they went away.
• PS 37/26 transnistrian region, Dubasari, Cosnita. According to the information obtained from the Promo-LEX observer following the discussions with the local population, the voters from the transnistrian region receive USD 40 for a vote in favour of a candidate and the drivers who transport the voters – USD 10.
• The transnistrian region, Cocieri. At 10:00, near the PS, after voting, two voters were discussing about the list they were to be included on in order to be paid. There is no information about those who will offer money to voters.

Organised voter transportation (by buses, passenger vans or other vehicles that wouldn’t normally be around) – 22 cases.

• PS 37/18 transnistrian region, Copanca v. Around 8:15 a.m., the police stopped a black Mercedes Sprinter with the identification No Ф097НТ. In the vehicle, there were identified 9 individuals from the transnistrian region who were heading to the PS. A protocol was drawn up with regards.
• PS 27/25 Riscani, Hiliuti. PEB members were informed that an individual conducts electioneering near the PS. When a PEB member approached that person, he told the member that he was not electioneering, but only transporting the voters in organised fashion. When the PEB members told him that organised voter transportation was prohibited, the man said he didn’t accept any orders and that he only did what he wanted. The vehicle concerned had 8 seats (VRN SDS 331). When the police officer present there got involved, the man left.
• PS 9/35 Calarasi, Sadova. Starting 7:00 a.m. organised transportation could be seen, involving several vehicles bringing people to vote. The vehicles would park 100 m away from the PS and then would wait and take people back. There were about 2-3 people per car. One vehicles belongs to representative with the right to vote, from a party, Skoda Kodiaq, VRN: BWW 636, black. This vehicle has been seen about 4-5 times since morning and thus far. The other car was a white Volkswagen Caddy, CLAS 090.
• PS 11/26 Cimislia, Hirtop. One person was seen engaged in organised voter transportation (3-4 rounds, every 30 minutes, VRN: PRT 937). The person was recognised as affiliated with one of the candidates. The police officer came around 11:00 a.m. and took note of the case.
• PS 10/32, Causeni, Hagimus. A Toyota (VRN: A981Ha) parked in front of the PS at around 11:00 a.m. About 7-8 people from the transnistrian region came out of it. The PEB members redirected them to another PS.
• PS 9/35 Calarasi, Sadova. A black Audi (QMK 322) was seen at 10:30 a.m. in the radius of 100 m away from the PS transporting voters. It was seen about 3 times, bring 2 people each time.
• PS 37/019 transnistrian region. Voters from the transnistrian region are being brought by personal cars and taxi. Every vehicle brings about 3-4 people. The following vehicles were seen: Grey Seat (A739HA), Green Lada (A548AX), dark green Renault (A457HB), white Volkswagen T4 (T885MT), grey Audi (A103HE).
• PS 09/014 Calarasi, Dereneu. A Ford Tranzit (DVI 073) was engaged in organised voter transportation. It commuted periodically. The voters were being brought from the neighbouring village upon such instructions from the mayor. They were urged to vote for a particular candidate.
• PS 37 transnistrian region. A large number of cars – more than 50 – and most of them registered in the transnistrian region were seen in the vicinity of two polling stations. There were 3-4 voters in each of the cars, according to observations.
• PS 11/026 Cimislia, Hirtop. A Mercedes Sprinter car with registration number plate IRT937 was noticed bringing in an organised manner 4-5 people to the PS around 4 times. The owner of the car said they were working at his farm.
• PS 37/29, transnistrian region, Dubasari, Dorotcaia Voters from the transnistrian region are transported in an organised manner to the PS with a VW car with registration number plate B428BK. The car was seen 2 times transporting 3 persons.
• PS 37/33 transnistrian region, Floresti, Sanatauca. A large number of voters, about 100, came from transnistrian region in short term (20 minutes).
• PS 37/37, Rezina. A Mercedes with registration number Р998СТ transports regularly the voters, at least 2 times.
• Transnistrian region In Bender, the drivers from RAAFNV were mobilised to vote and to bring voters from Farladeni and Hagimus to the PS.
• Pss 37/18 and 37/17, transnistrian region, Causeni, Copanca. Voters from the transnistrian region are transported in an organised manner by Zhiguli C688YT, Mercedes C 253EM, A386EK, CAL 386.
• PS 37/42 transnistrian region, Stefan Voda, Rascaieți. Voters from the transnistrian region are transported by personal cars in groups of 5 people.
• PS 37/19, Causeni, Farladeni. Voters from the transnistrian region are transported by cars with registration numbers VW ZJC 085; Opel A554CK; Mercedes A578HA.
• PS 37/31 transnistrian region, Dubasari, Ustia. Voters from the transnistrian region are transported by personal cars in groups of 2-3 people.
• PS 37/17 transnistrian region, Causeni, Copanca. Voters from the transnistrian region were transported several times by a Zhiguli with registration number С688НЕ.
• PS 1/104 Chisinau, Buiucani. A Mercedes Benz with registration number C SS 220 brought approximately 5 elderly persons to the PS.
• PS 37/3, transnistrian region, Anenii Noi. People from transnistrian region are transported in an organised manner to the PS by a grey car with registration number B457BH. The car was seen 2 times transporting 3 persons.
• PS 37/019 transnistrian region. At around 1 p.m, voters from transnistrian region were brought to the PS 019 in an organised manner by the following cars: Mercedes A619ET; VWA177HA; Peugeot T 030 HO; VW A675CX; Fiat T400AT; VW A139CP; Ford A8109EK; Fiat A739HA; Nissan A932EP VW a918CM; Mercedes Vito ZJE 777.

Preventing the access of voters and/or organised transport to polling stations set up for the transnistrian region – 1 case.

• Transnistrian region, Floresti, Sanatauca village At around 6:40 a.m., metal thorns/nails were thrown on the road to the PS in order to make the travel from the transnistrian region more difficult. Those who made this were not identified. As a result, a tyre of the police car blow out.

Deficient operation of Elections SAIS (suspended functionalities; situations where Elections SAIS showed that the voter had voted, although the latter claimed he had not) – 15 cases.

• PS 18/026, Floresti, Cunicea. Up to 9:30 a.m., 3 persons (1 person at 8 a.m., 2 persons at 8:20 – 8:30 a.m.) presented at the PS but were not found in the Elections SAIS, but could be found in the main list. According to the SAISE, these voters were to vote in other PS in the same village. The voters voted without being included in the Elections SAIS system. PEB Chairperson said they can vote if are included in the main lists of voters.
• PS 1/114, Chisinau, Center. A PEB member could not vote because Elections SAIS showed she/he voted at 9:15 a.m. The PEB Chairperson announced CEC.
• PS 27/25 Riscani, Hiliuti. Between 8:30 and 8:40 a.m., Elections SAIS did not function. Due to this fact, 3 voters were recorded on paper. The issue was fixed.
• PS 10/42, Causeni, Tanatari. At around 8:00 a.m., the Internet connection dissapeared for 10 minutes.
• PS 12/37, Criuleni, Slobozia Dusca. Only one computer is working in the PS. The second computer has no Internet connection. The specialists are trying to fix the issue.
• PS 1/298, Chisinau, Truseni. At around 7:00 a.m., there was no Internet connection for about 10 minutes. The voters were not able to vote because this issue.
• PS 10/5, Causeni. A computer had no connection to the Elections SAIS for about 37 minutes.
• PS 32/29 Stefan Voda, Talmaza. There is no Internet in the PS and the operators face difficulties in the work with the software. The operators connected to other sources, but the Internet connection is bad and is interrupted.
• PS 11/26 Cimislia, Hirtop. Between 9:45 and 10:10 a.m., the Internet connection was interrupted in the PS. As a result, the voters were recorded manually.
• PS 37/6 transnistrian region, Anenii Noi, Gura Bacului. A computer had problems with Internet connection for 10 minutes. The connection was restored.
• PS 01/034 Chisinau, Botanica. Between 7:00 and 7:20 a.m., SIAS soft did not function. The operators recorded voters data on paper and introduced them later manually.
• PS 01/038 Chisinau, Botanica. Starting from 7:00 a.m., the operators had no access to the Elections SAIS software for about 20 because of the poor Internet connection.
• PS 18/026, Floresti, Cunicea. Since morning to 12:40 p.m., 8 voters that were not assigned for this PS in the SAIS system lists have voted. People voted, but were not registered in the system.
• PS 36/6, ATUG, Comrat. A voter was not identified both in the Elections SAIS and main lists. He was allowed to vote on the additional lists.
• PS 1/339, Russian Federation, Surgut Hanti-Mansiisk. At 10:35 a.m. the Elections SAIS system did not function for 30 minutes.

Unjustified presence of unauthorised people inside or within 100 m from the polling station – 8 cases

• PS 18/063, Floresti, Temeleuti. There was an unauthorised person inside the PS. The person claims that is an observer of a candidate, although he did not present his accreditation / credentials. PEB Chairperson allowed him to attend the voting process, arguing that the person was accredited in the first round.
• PS 18/015 Floresti, Ciripcau. A metallic-grey Ford with the registration number IS 13 YAA was close to the PS, at about 20 meters, with a supporter of one of the candidates inside. He was monitoring the voters going to the PS. This person does not have an accreditation.
• PS 37/3, transnistrian region, Anenii Noi. There was a person with an unknown badge in the PS. He left the PS after the STO tried to identify him.
• PS 11/17 Cimislia, Ciucur Mingir. Between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m., a group of 5-7 persons was in the vicinity of the PS and it seemed to be led by one person. The leader of the group was asked if ‘everything is alright’. In addition, this person discussed with the policeman.
• PS 36/8, ATUG, Comrat. A car is parked near the PS. Regularly some voters come to it, after casting their vote. Besides, a candidate’s observer was seen to get in that car. This vehicle transported several voters in the morning (Opel, registration plate GEB 301).
• PS 11/24, Cimislia, Gura Galbenei. Within the area de 100 meters from the PS, there is a person asking who voted had voted for. When answering (who they voted for), the voters presented their ID card, to show the stamp applied. The same was done by a voter, who after exiting the PS, informed that person who he had voted for, showed his ID card and got in a white-graying Opel (the registration plate could not be identified).
• PS 06/003 Briceni, Briceni. At 11:00 a.m., a local councillor of a candidate was noticed in the proximity of the PS, but he was not an electoral official. He stays at the entry of the PS and gives protection masks to voters.
• PS 18/002, Floresti, Floresti. Between 1:15 and 1:28 p.m., an authorised person was present in the PS and discussed with all PEB members. The EOPS Chairperson was not in the PS at the moment of the incident.

Electioneering or black PR within the radius of 100 m and/or near the polling station to influence the voters – 7 cases.

• PS 1/91 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 8:35 a.m. a voter entered the PS with a back bag, carrying an inscription with swear words against a contender. The chairperson asked the voter to leave his bag outside the PS.
• PS 1/96 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 8.52 a.m. an observer had a badge with the name of a candidate. When asked by the PEB Chairperson, he removed the badge.
• PS 25/14, Orhei. In the vicinity of the PS (at a distance of about 200 meters), a group of PPS supporters urged voters to boycott the election. They claimed that, if voters participated in the election, they would not be able to buy any more at the social stores ‘Merisor’.
• PS 23/004, Nisporeni, Nisporeni. Observers of a candidate discuss with voters outside, while the PS was being ventilated. In addition, a voter was noticed so electioneer for a candidate in the vicinity of the PS.
• PS 1/116, Chisinau, Center. At 11:50 a.m. a voter started to electioneer for a candidate. The PEB Chairperson reprimanded him and the voter stopped his electioneering, but continued it after exiting the PS.
• PS 1/115, Chisinau, Center. At 12:30 p.m. a voter shouted to another voter, while in the PS, to vote for a specific candidate.
• PS 1/241, Chisinau, Rascani. At 12:25 p.m. a voter informed the observer that he was phoned today from an unknown number and asked to vote for a specific candidate.

Deficiencies in the lists of voters (gaps between addresses; deceased voters; signatures instead of other people) – 2 cases.

• PS 1/246 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 10:59 a.m. a voter noticed a stranger registered on his address, and that the stranger concerned had voted in the first round of the election. The voter submitted a complaint with CEC.
• PS 1/117, Chisinau, Center. At 11:50 a.m. a voter noticed a stranger registered on his address.

Failure to observe COVID-19 protection and prevention measures – 15 cases.

• PS 18/063, Floresti, Temeleuti. PEB members do not comply with COVID-19 protection rules (do not wear masks and do not disinfect their hands).
• PS 10/49, Causeni, Zaim. A number of 7-8 voters are allowed inside the PS, but there are only 3 voting booths.
• PS 32/21 Stefan Voda, Popeasca. More voters than the number of voting booths are allowed inside the PS.
• PS 06/033 Briceni, Mihaileni. The temperature is not taken at the entry in the PS, the voters do not use hand sanitizers. PEB members do not inform voters about the need to used hand sanitizers.
• PS 18/064, Floresti, Tîrgul-Vertiujeni. PEB Chairperson and other observers present in the PS do not keep the social distancing and other protection rules against Covid-19.
• PS 01/285, Chisinau, Ciorescu. A voter wanted to sign with his own pen, but PEB members did not allow and forced him to sign with the PS pen. PEB Chairperson told they had received a request from CEC that all signatures had to be made in black ink.
• PS 31/025, Soldanesti, Poiana. The body temperature is not taken at the entry in the PS, voters do not use hand sanitizers and PEB members do not comply with social distancing requirements.
• PS 18/026, Floresti, Cunicea. At 11:50 a.m., PEB members did not wear face masks, shields and gloves. The persons measuring the temperature at the PS entry does not wear gloves, and respectively gives out masks and other protection elements with unprotected hands. Later, the PEB Chairperson offered to the 3 members the needed protection equipment.
• PS 1/292, Chisinau, Stauceni. There were 8 persons in the PS, given that there were only 4 voting booths. The PEB Chairperson did nothing about it.
• PS 1/298, Chisinau, Gratiesti. At 11:35 a.m., the social distancing was not complied with within the PS.
• PS 12/027, Criuleni, Magdacesti Nord. PEB members do not comply with the sanitary rules against Covid-19.
• PSs 37/20, 37/21, transnistrian region. In the vicinity of the two polling stations there are about 100 persons, not complying with the protection rules against Covid-19.
• PS 1/197, Chisinau, Rascani. At 12:35 p.m. there more voters inside the PS than voting booths.
• PS 1/203, Chisinau, Rascani. At 12:40 p.m. there more voters inside the PS than voting booths.

Taking pictures of the ballot papers, other violations of the secret ballot (submission of ID card on the basis of which the voter had already voted, inappropriate laying out of booths because of which one could see who other voters cast their vote for) – 34 cases.

• PS 1/192, Chisinau, Riscani. At 1:36 p.m. one voter took a picture of the ballot paper. When asked by the Chairperson, the voter deleted the picture.
• PS 20/014 Hincesti, Buteni. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The PEB Chairperson stepped in.
• PS 1/179, Chisinau, Ciocana.  At 8:58 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper.  The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 1/100 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 9:05 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The PEB Chairperson did nothing about it.
• PS 1/41 Chisinau, Botanica. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.  The voter showed that he did not have the picture of the ballot paper, insulted the PEB members and had an aggressive behaviour.
• PS 1/179, Chisinau, Ciocana. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 36/9, ATUG, Comrat. A voter made a picture of her ballot paper, after applying the ‘voted’ stamp. The PEB Chairperson reprimanded her.
• PS 09/046 Calarasi, Valcinet. One voter took a picture of his ballot paper. PEB Chairperson warned the voter that this was not allowed.
• PS 34/002, Telenesti, Telenesti. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper in the voting booth before applying the ‘voted’ stamp in order to send the picture to his parents. PEB Chairperson informed about the unlawfulness of such behaviour. The voter deleted the picture in from of the observers.
• PS 37/9, transnistrian region, Varnița, Anenii Noi. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The photo was deleted.
• PS 37/11, transnistrian region, Varnița, Anenii Noi. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The photo was deleted.
• PS 34/2, Telenesti. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper in the voting booth before applying the ‘voted’ stamp in order to send the picture to his parents. PEB Chairperson reprimanded him, and the voter complied and deleted the picture.
• PS 8/8 Cantemir, Cania. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The photo was deleted.
• PS 12/38 Cantemir, Zaicana. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The picture was not deleted because the voter exited the PS and could not be found.
• PS 1/29 Chisinau, Botanica. At 10:10 a.m., a voter was on a video call with his daughter while in the PS, including in the voting booth. He shower his daughter who he voted for, and did not react to the reprimand of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 1/305 Chisinau, Ghidighici. At 10:24 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 1/100 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 11:05, the lightening of a telephone was noticed from within the voting booth. PEB members commented, but the voter did not react and left.
• PS 1/170, Chisinau, Ciocana. At 11:20 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 1/170, Chisinau, Ciocana. At 11:32 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of Chairperson.
• PS 23/031 Nisporeni, Seliste. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. An observer asked him to delete the picture, and the voter complied.
• The transnistrian region, Cocieri. A voter tried to make a picture of the ballot paper, but was noticed by PEB members and did not manage to do it.
• PS 01/076, Chisinau, Buiucani. One voter took a picture of his ballot paper. After reprimanded by PEB members, the voter asked to show him the legal rule. They showed him the provisions of the Electoral Code, the voter calmed down but did not delete the picture from his phone.
• PS 06/004 Briceni, Lipcani. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. After reprimanded by PEB members, the voter started a scandal and asked for the normal rule that prohibits taking pictures of the ballot paper. Once they showed him the legal norm, the voter told he had made a picture in the first round of the election, but no one told him anything then.
• PS 9/39 Calarasi, Sipoteni. At 12:25 p.m. a voter took a picture of his ballot paper. PEB members reacted and reprimanded him, but they did not see him deleting the picture.
• PS 15/012 Dubasari, Pirita. At 12:45 p.m. a man made a picture of his ballot paper in the voting booth. The voter left the polling station without being impeded by the PEB Chairperson.
• PS 32/29 Stefan Voda, Talmaza. A voter tried to take a picture of his ballot paper, but did not manage thanks to the intervention of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 36/8, ATUG, Comrat. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper after applying the stamp. The PEB Chairperson asked him to delete the picture from his phone.
• PS 36/7, ATUG, Comrat. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper. As a result, the PEB Chairperson did not allow him to put his ballot in the box, asking to delete the picture first. Once the picture was removed, the voter threw the ballot paper into the ballot box.
• PS 1/305 Chisinau, Ghidighici. At 12:27 p.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 1/74 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 10:58 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 1/92 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 12:35 p.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 1/142, Chisinau, Center. At 12:40 p.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 18/035 Floresti, Gura Cainarului. At 1:20 p.m. a voter made a picture of his ballot paper in the voting booth. He deleted the picture only after the PEB Chairperson did not allow the voter to put his ballot paper into the ballot box unless the picture was removed.
• PS 25/081, Orhei, Viscauti. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The PEB Chairperson ask to delete the picture, the voter complied, but subsequently it turned out that the voter managed to place it on a social network before deleting it.

Problematic aspects related to voting by mobile ballot box – 4 cases.

• PS 16/1 Edinet, Edinet. Promo-LEX observer identified 31 requests to vote at the place of domicile typed at the PC, and it seems that the signature was made by the same person. According to the information obtained by the observer, these were brought during the past few days by a member of a candidate’s campaign team.
• PS 1/197, Chisinau, Rascani. A social worker submitted 5 requests for mobile ballot box. According to PEB Chairperson, the social worker is not in charge of that area, but it is known that the persons concerned need a mobile ballot box.
• PS 33/3, Taraclia. A voter with symptoms of respiratory disease (high body temperature) came to the PS. He was not allowed to enter the PS. At the same time, he was not informed that he could request voting at the place of stay by mobile ballot box.
• PS 1/225, Chisinau, Rascani. An unknown person brought 15 requests to vote at home. The person who brought the requests was not authorised. PEB members annulled the requests and prepared a protocol.

Unjustified termination/suspension of voting at the polling station – 2 cases.

• PS 1/92 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 10:50 a.m., the voting procedure was stopped for about 10 min. at the initiative of PEB Chairperson in order to disinfect the PS. All PEB members remained inside the PS. Due to this, a queue of voters formed outside the PS.
• PS 19/026 Glodeni, Hijdieni. There was no Internet connection from 1:00 to 1:10 p.m. and the voting process was stopped. Voted queued up outside. PEB Chairperson said he didn’t know what was the problem. After the Internet connection restarted, the voting process was resumed.

Unjustified group voting (two or more voters) – 3 cases.

• PS 1/87 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 8:42 a.m. two elderly persons entered together the voting booth. They complied with the observer’s request, but before putting the ballot paper into the box, the man took the woman’s ballot paper to see who she had voted for.
• PS 1/227, Chisinau, Rascani. At 8.48 a group of two persons voted in the same voting booth. One person stamped both ballot papers and them put them in the box.
• PS 33/028 Taraclia, Valea Perjei. Two cases of group voting were found. Voters (relatives or friends) did not seem to have any special needs. The PEB Chairperson told them several times not to, but they nevertheless entered together the voting booths.

Ballot boxes were not sealed according to the legal procedures/tearing/damage or absence of seals on ballot boxes — 9 cases.

• PS 06/030 Briceni, Marcauti. One of the stationary ballot boxes was not sealed.
• PS 13/024, Donduseni, Teleseuca. One of the stationary ballot box was sealed by 3 seals only. PEB Chairperson told that the place for the fourth seal was damaged. However, after the observer’s notification, the missing seal was applied.
• PS 30/030, Straseni, Negresti. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed by only 2 seals each. The PEB Chairperson told that, in his opinion, two seals were enough.
• PS 06/026 Briceni, Halahora de Sus. The mobile ballot box was not sealed properly. The seal was placed in the opening for ballot papers. Afterwards, PEB members applied an additional seal on the handle.
• PS 1/197, Chisinau, Rascani. The stationary ballot boxes have 2 seals instead of 4, on the grounds that they had not received enough seals.
• PS 33/2, Taraclia. The ballot box is sealed with only 2 seals. The PEB Chairperson claimed he had not received enough seals.
• PS 30/3, Straseni. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed by 3 seals only. PEB Chairperson explained that they didn’t have the necessary number of seals.
• PS 34/35, Telenesti, Ratus. Initially, the ballot boxes were sealed with 2 seals each. But at 7 o’clock, the PEB Chairperson applied 2 more seals on each ballot box.
• PS 32/22 Stefan Voda, Purcari. Three stationary ballot boxes were sealed by 2 seals. PEB Chairperson reported that those were all they have received from CEC.

Interrupted video recording of electoral procedures for polling station opening or procedures of ballot papers counting – 3 cases.

• PS 27/010 Riscani, Costesti. The camera was not turned off after the polling station was opened.
• PS 27/007 Riscani, Costesti. At 9:45 a.m. the camera was not turned off after the polling station was opened.
• PS 34/012, Telenesti, Cazanesti. Camera continued to record the voting process after the closure of the procedures of the polling station opening in the Vadul-Leca village.  After referral, PS members reported they received such instructions from their superiors.
• PS 1/340 French Republic, Paris. Camera did not record the entire process of preparing the polling station.

Electricity outages – 7 cases.

• PS 26/8, Rezina, Stohnaia. Between 09:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., the electricity went out and only one PEB computer has worked. Voters cast their vote using the flashlight in the voting booth.
• PS 37/38 transnistrian region, Rezina. At 9:50 a.m. the electricity was cut off (already for 10 minutes). The process was not interrupted, voters are registered in the SAIS Election through mobile Internet. Electricity was not restored until now.
• PS 22/006, Leova, Leova. The electricity went out at the PS between 07:25 a.m. and 09:35 a.m. Later, the breakdown was removed. The SAIS operators’ activity was not interrupted.
• PS 37/38 transnistrian region, Rezina. At 9:50 a.m. the electricity was cut off (already for 10 minutes). The process was not interrupted, voters are registered in the SAIS Election through mobile Internet. Electricity was not restored until now.
• PS 37/38 transnistrian region, Rezina. During 40 minutes the electricity was cut off. The voting process was not interrupted, the work was carried out on the laptop.
• PS 15/002 Dubasari, Cocieri. Between 12:50 a.m. and 12:55 a.m. the electricity went out 2 times (as well as in the PS nearby), the voting process was not suspended. There were problems with the SAIS Election system, which was out of order, so that operators were registering voters on a paper-based list.
• PS 26/8, Rezina, Stohnaia. Between 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., the electricity in the PS went out for a second time.

Presence of advertising materials, electoral billboards and posters in the vicinity of the polling station (within the area of 100 m from the PS) – 2 cases.

• PS 06/002 Briceni, Briceni. Within the area of 100 m from PS there is a group of people supporting a contender (including a counsellor) who discuss with voters and provide them with protection masks.
• PS 18/39 Floresti, Izvoare. Within the area of 100 meters from the PS, posters in favour of a contender of the first round were noticed. Later, one of the PEB members removed the respective materials.

Others – 10 cases

• PS 14/2 Drochia, Drochia. A voter with visual impairments was not allowed to cast his vote in the presence of his father or brother. PEB Chairperson insisted that, according to the regulation, the voter had to vote in the presence of a non-relative. They called the police. The individual voted only after a call to CEC was made, and he was allowed to vote together with a family member.
• PS 1/152, Chisinau, Ciocana. At 10:30 a.m., at the exit from the PS, two people dressed in white with the inscription ‘SPERO’ organised an exit poll. The PEB Chairperson requested the intervention of the police, given that he was not informed about their activity.
• Transnistrian region, Floresti,  Sanatauca village. On the route from customs – on the pavement, on the bus station, and also in the proximity of the PS 37/34 (at about 100-150m) the following message in Russian is displayed: ‘Dodon is a thief and a liar. Vote for money, but use your head. Respectfully yours, Renato Usatii.’
• PS 1/196, Chisinau, Rascani. A voter accused the PEB chairperson of influencing the vote of an old lady, which resulted in a dispute between the voter and the PEB chairperson. The conflict lasted for about 5 minutes, and afterwards the voter left.
• PS 18/002, Floresti, Floresti. A PEB member wore red clothes. One of the candidates’ observers warned the PEB chairperson that red was associated with the colour of an electoral candidate.  So, when voters would ask in which list to sign, the PEB members would rely „At the lady in red”. The PEB chairperson says he cannot force a PEB member to change her clothes, but finally the PEC member took of her red jacket.
• PS 1/266, Chisinau, Vadul lui Voda. At 10:10 a.m. a drunk voter started a dispute with PEB members, because he didn’t want the stamp saying „Elections, 15 November” to be applied. The PEB chairperson asked him to leave the PS and come back later.
• PS 1/101 Chisinau, Buiucani. The PEB member responsible for measuring the temperature is arrogant and argues with voters. The PEB Chairperson reprimanded the respective member.
• PS 11/45 Cimislia, Troitcoe. A representative having the right to consultative vote, as well as the person in charge of measuring the temperature of voters, were writing down in notebooks the names of the voters. PEB Chairperson mentioned they make the respective notes for themselves.
• PS 1/195, Chisinau. Rascani A PEB member noticed that a ballot paper was left in the voting booth. The PEB member put the ballot paper into the ballot box.
• PS 1/31 Chisinau, Botanica. At 12:12 a.m. one voter wanted to exit the PS with the ballot paper. The observers noticed this fact and the voter threw the ballot paper into the ballot box. Police intervention was requested.

The press release is developed as part of the Observation Mission for the Elections of the President of the Republic of Moldova on 1 (15) November 2020, conducted by Promo-LEX Association with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) via the ‘Democracy, Transparency and Accountability’ Program, the Good Governance Department of Soros Foundation-Moldova under ‘Monitoring the Presidential Elections of 1 November 2020’ Project, and the Council of Europe under ‘Support for civic observation of 2020 Presidential Election in polling stations abroad’. ‘Hate speech’ component is supported by Justice and Human Rights Department of Soros Foundation-Moldova under ‘Consolidation of a platform for the development of activism and education in the area of human rights in Moldova – stage IV’ Project.

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If there are any discrepancies between the text in Romanian and its translation, the provisions formulated in Romanian shall prevail.

For more information, please contact: Inga Stegarescu, Press Officer of Promo-LEX Association GSM: 069 26 96 84; E-mail: [email protected]