PRINT

15 November 2020
Time: 7:00 p.m.

Promo-LEX Observation Mission of the Presidential Election in the Republic of Moldova of 1 (15) November 2020 informs that as of 7:00 p.m. the Mission had received 543 incident reports from observers, Promo-LEX analytical team processed 327 reports, and this press release contains information on 168 incidents.

For the first round of presidential elections of 1 November 2020, as of 7:00 p.m., the Promo-LEX OM found 446 incidents, of which the 366 were processed by the central team of the Promo-LEX, and the press release at 7:00 p.m. contained information on 170 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 – 8 cases

• PS 2/42 Balti, Balti. Although the observer asked twice (12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.) the PEB Chairperson for the number of voters who turned up, the latter said he didn’t have the right to give out that information.
• PS 18/061, Floresti, Stefanesti. The observer was not allowed to take pictures inside the PS.
• PS 1/87 Chisinau, Buiucani. The PEB Chairperson made a remark about the Promo-LEX observer ‘writing too much’. When the PEB Chairperson was asked, at 2:52 p.m. how they solved the problem of a voter who flagged up that somebody else had already signed under his name on the list of voters, the PEB Chairperson had answered that they just that and that was all.
• PS 1/218, Chisinau, Rascani. The observer of one of the candidates has been often intimidating the Promo-LEX observer asking him why he wasn’t reporting anything.
• PS 1/116 Chisinau, Center. The international observers wanted to take a picture of the PS, however the PEB Chairperson and some of the PEB members did not allow them to, arguing that they didn’t want to be in the picture.
• PS 27/25 Riscani, Hiliuti. At 4:45 p.m. a policemen asked the Promo-LEX observer for details regarding organised voter transportation (which the observer reported in the first half of the day), with the intention to fill out a protocol. The observer explained that an official requests is to be filed with the Promo-LEX Association. However, the law enforcement representatives asked the STO verbally to come on 17.11.2020, at 9:00 a.m. at the Rascani PI.
• PS 06/004 Briceni, Lipcani. The police was called at the PS because a voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The police officers claimed that they were called by Promo-LEX and asked for explanations.
• PS 06/026 Briceni, Halahora de Sus. The police was called because the legal procedures regarding the sealing of ballot boxes were violated. The police officers claimed that they were called by Promo-LEX, which was not true.

Temporary limitation of access to TV and internet provided by Moldtelecom after 7:00 p.m. in these regions: Chisinau Municipality, Balti Municipality,  Nisporeni, Anenii Noi, Criuleni, Stefan Voda, Causeni, Straseni.

Unjustified presence of unauthorised people inside or within 100 m from the polling station – 7 cases

• PSs 37/04 and 37/05, transnistrian region, Anenii Noi, Calfa. Chiril Motpan, PPPDA Member of Parliament, visited both PSs and talked to PEB members and then left.
• PS 07/048 Cahul, Lucesti. One person who identified himself as observer was inside the PS. However, he did not have his credentials because he had allegedly forgotten it at home.
• PS 25/037 Orhei, Isacova. The ‘Merisor’ mobile social store was seen in the radius of 100 m away from the polling station.
• PS 18/016 Floresti, Ciutulesti. One person spent some 15 minutes in the PS without any business, then went to an auxiliary room of the PS.
• PS 1/232 Chisinau, Rascani. A person aged around 30-40 has been accompanying more voters more than 3 times (50+ years olds) to the polling station. The PEB Chairperson was informed about it. He talked to the man who was not seen again at the PS afterwards.
• PS 33/16 Taraclia, Aluatu. A voter spent about 30 minutes inside the PS, next to one of the operators. The PEB Chairperson did not remark upon it.
• PS 07/063 Cahul, Zirnesti. A police officer was spotted 10-15 m away from the PS, in the car. When the PEB Chairperson became aware of it, he told the police officer to park elsewhere.

Rumors, attempts or even situations of in-kind or cash rewards offered to voters within the are of 100 m from the polling station in order to influence them – 5 cases.

• PS 9/7 Calarasi, Calarasi. At 1:30 p.m. about 10 people were talking just outside the PS that voters who prove they voted for a particular candidate would be rewarded wit a ‘voucher’ which they needed to show at the bar in the centre of the town to receive, in return, drinks worth MDL 200.
• PS 1/213, Chisinau, Riscani. At 12:45 p.m. two voters announced the Elections SAIS operators that they were told to go vote. When the observer asked them who it was, the voters answered that it was some people wearing red vests.
• PS 1/325 Russia, Moscow. There were rumours that there were groups of people around the PS that voted in return for money. The observer did not manage to confirm or otherwise the rumours by the time of reporting.
• PS 37/29 transnistrian region, Dubasari, Dorotcaia. Four women and a man, who had voted, walked together to the back of blue Seat (VRN: E 614BH). The man took out of his wallet a bill and gave it to one of the women. It was not possible though to see what denomination it was. The other women were also given something, but it was not possible to tell what exactly. They all left in that car. Other observers noticed it too.
• PS 37/31 transnistrian region, Dubasari, Ustia. The Promo-LEX observers overheard a discussion between two police officers in charge of public order around the PS. They were saying that a voter mentioned voter bribing was underway at the Bus Depot in Dubasari where someone kept a list and motivated thus voters to vote for a particular candidate. They would then have to show the loose leaf of their ID carrying the ‘Second Round of Presidential Elections’ stamp to receive a reward of MDL 200.

Organised voter transportation (by buses, passenger vans or other vehicles that wouldn’t normally be around) – 9 cases.

• PS 15/006 Dubasari, Dorotcaia. Transnistrian voters are being transported to this polling station. A van (АГЗ 752) transported voters twice to this PS from early morning till 9:00 a.m. – about 7 people each time. A yellow Volkswagen with Moldovan VRN: MHQ 752 also transported voters at 9:00 a.m. and 2:20 p.m.
• PS 18/026, Floresti, Cunicea. There are 2 polling stations in Cunicea. However, there are people who show up at the PS and are found neither in the Elections SAIS, nor in the main lists of voters. When an elderly voter is not found on the list, the observer of one of the candidates offers them transportation to the other PS. Voters were taken to the other PS by the observer’s car – LADA 2104, VRN: CZL 063, at least 5 times throughout the day. The PEB Chairperson explained that those voters needed help because they were old.
• PS 37/28 transnistrian region, Dubasari, Dorotcaia. Organised transportation of voters from the transnistrian region: 5-6 people per ride in a grey VW B 081BM. This car was seen twice.
• PS 9/35 Calarasi, Sadova. An Audi QMK 322 continues to bring voters. Also, a Toyota AGZ 330 was seen later at 3:00 p.m. bringing 3 people.
• PS 36/8, ATUG, Comrat. A red car was seen transporting voters to the PS several times throughout the day. The STO said that the car was last seen used by PEB members to take the mobile ballot box to voters. The mobile ballot box was being accompanied by an observer of one of the contenders. The STO confirmed having seen this car in the first round as well. The PEB Chairperson explained that the car was a taxi car.
• PS 9/044, Calarasi, Tibirica. A Mercedes Sprinter (AAH 062) brought voters to the PS in an organised manner. It was seen twice when voting just began. This vehicle is owned by the Mayoralty of Tibirica and it has room for about 15 people.
• PS 12/008, Criuleni, Baltata. The Promo-LEX observer was informed that organised voter transportation had been spotted. Four vehicles were seen transporting voters regularly (about four times every 30 minutes). The PEB Chairperson did not do anything about it.
• PSs 37/38 and 37/39, transnistrian region. A green Mazda (VRN: T 711 MK) was seen bringing, in an organised way, about 3 voters. The car was seen 3 times. A PEB member noticed it and called the police. The driver, who did not carry his driver’s license, was issued a protocol by the police officer who arrived to address the situation.
• PSs 37/37 and 37/39, transnistrian region. Voters were being brought to the PS by a red Toyota (P 553 CX). This car was seen bringing voters about 3 times.

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

• Transnistrian region. About 10 people attempted to block the road in the proximity of the border control point at the Rezina-Ribnita bridge at 2:53 p.m. Law enforcement responded to tone things down.

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 4/34, Anenii Noi, Speia. At some point during the day, an unidentified person stuck a flyer promoting a particular candidate on the information board in the PS yard. It was noticed and removed immediately at around 2:00 p.m. There were no other posters in the morning in the 100 m radius around the PS.
• PS 30/001, Straseni, Straseni. There was a banner of a candidate some 50 m away from the PS entrance (2 m by 3 m).

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

• PS 9/35 Calarasi, Sadova. Five people were seen in the area of 100 m from the PS talking to other people who were on their way to vote, urging them to vote for a particular candidate for five hours straight.
• PS 6/4 Briceni, Lipcani. Three people – a man and two women, were stopping people on their way to the PS within 200 m from the PS at 3:10 p.m. to ask them who they were going to vote for and insisting that they vote for a particular candidate.
• SV 1/349 Federal Republic of Germany, Frankfurt on Main. At 8:34 a voter entered the PS and voted holding a bag with a stuffed toy animal stuck on it.
• PS 32/21 Stefan Voda, Popeasca. A voter shouted inside the PS shouted ‘May they win!’ at 5:07 p.m. The PEB members reprimanded him, but did not comment on the situation.
• PS 32/15 Stefan Voda, Festelita. At 5:50 p.m., a voter remained for a little while longer in the PS after he cast his vote to electioneer for one of the candidates. When the PEB Chairperson urged him to leave, the voter refused to do so. Things were settled 7 minutes later after law enforcement response.
• PS 06/004 Briceni, Lipcani. There was a person electioneering for one of the candidates some 100 m away from the PS. This went on for a long period of time.
• PS 06/026 Briceni, Halahora de Sus. The police came on a call that was reportedly made by Promo-LEX in relation to someone having taken a picture of the ballot paper. The observer witnessed the incident. The PEB Chairperson talked to the voter and the picture was deleted as a result of that.

Interrupted video recording of electoral procedures for polling station opening or procedures of ballot papers counting – 4 cases.

• PS 06/016 Briceni, Colicauti. The camera was not turned off after the polling station was opened. EOPS members failed to take any measures.
• PS 27/046, Riscani, Sumna. The video camera in the PS 46 from Bulhac was not turned off after the polling station opening procedure finished.
• PS 06/040 Briceni, Caracusenii Vechi. The video camera continued recording even after the polling station opening procedure finished.
• PS 06/037 Briceni, Tabani. The video camera was not turned off. It continued to work throughout the entire day recording the whole voting process.

Deficient operation of Elections SAIS (suspended functionalities; situations where Elections SAIS showed that the voter had voted, although the latter claimed he had not) – 21 cases.

• PS 11/004 Cimislia, Cimislia. Elections SAIS showed that a voter was not registered at his place of residence in the radius of the PS, although that was the address in his ID card. The PEB Chairperson demanded a written declaration from him stating that he lived on the address stated in the ID card. The voter was allowed to vote.
• PS 1/410, Romania, Cluj. At 7:30 a.m. Elections SAIS system did not function for 15 minutes.
• PS 1/406, Romania, Bucharest. At 7:30 a.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for 20 minutes.
• PS 1/325, Russian Federation, Moscow. At 8:30 a.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for 15 minutes.
• PS 1/339, Russian Federation, Surgut Hanti-Mansiisk. At 10:35 a.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for 15 minutes.
• PS 1/409, Romania, Timisoara. At around 7:30 a.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for approximately 7 minutes.
• PS 1/443, Denmark, Copenhagen. At around 10:55 a.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for approximately 5 minutes.
• PS 1/369, Italy, Parma. At around 8:15 a.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for approximately 7 minutes.
• SV 1/353 Germany, Kassel. At around 9:12 a.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for approximately 10 minutes.
• PS 1/301, Chisinau, Colonita. At 3:35, the voter came to the PS, but he was recorded in the Elections SAIS as a person who voted, but the loose leaf had no stamp on it. PEB Chairperson called CEC, and a Fact-Finding Report was drawn up afterward and the voter voted.
• PS 1/105 Chisinau, Botanica. At 4:48 p.m. a voter came to vote in the polling station from where he got a voting right certificate. Initially, the Chairperson did not allow him to vote. Subsequently, due to the fact that the voter was already introduced in the Elections SAIS in this polling station, checking his assignment, the PEB Chairperson was searching for the voter in order to invite him to vote. Finally, the voter expressed his vote in this polling station.
• PS 12/23, Criuleni, Izbeste. A voter came to the PS, but according to the Elections SAIS she already voted. The voter claims she didn’t vote. The Chairperson did not allow the lady to vote.
• PS 32/15 Stefan Voda, Festelita. At 5:07 p.m., PEB Chairperson was called and notified about 2 persons who tried to vote being abroad, but Elections SAIS showed they voted at the place of residence in the Republic of Moldova. The PEB Chairperson could not explain this issue. As a result, a finding on the issue was developed.
• PS 1/398, United Kingdom, Manchester. At 2:55 p.m., Elections SAIS identified two voters who expressed their votes in Stefan Voda, although they were abroad. PEB members allowed them to vote.
• PS 1/433, USA, Denver. A voter currently changed his ID documents between the first and the second round, and he could not be identified in the SRV. As a result, voter was allowed to vote under statutory declaration.
• PS 1/342, France, Strasbourg. An operator within a PS in Stefan Voda, Republic of Moldova, entered inaccurate ID data of a voter, and it resulted that a voter from Strasbourg voted in Stefan Voda. The issue was solved and the voter could vote.
• PS 1/346, France, Lyon. At around 2:10 p.m., the Elections SAIS was out of order for approximately 10 minutes.
• PS 1/346, France, Lyon. At around 3:20 p.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for approximately 5 minutes.
• PS 1/379, Italy, Mestre. At around 2:17 p.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for approximately 20 minutes.
• PS 11/26 Cimislia, Hirtop. A voter showed up at the PS to vote at 6:00 p.m. In Elections SAIS it was recorded he voted in a hospital in Chisinau were he would be still hospitalised. Although the voter declared he did not vote, and according to the observer, the operator did not check the stamp in the loose leaf of the ID card, the voter was prohibited to vote.
• PS 04/020, Anenii Noi, Delacau. Starting 12:00 p.m., deficient operation of Elections SAIS were noted (interruptions). Voters ID’s were recorded on a paper and were later entered into the Elections SAIS.

Problematic aspects related to voting by mobile ballot box – 9 cases.

• PS 06/002 Briceni, Briceni. Promo-LEX observer was informed that the family doctors from Briceni Clinic were urgently called at work in order to issue medical documents allowing to vote using the mobile ballot box.
• PS 1/225, Chisinau, Rascani. There were16 requests for voting at the place of stay on the morning of the election day. When called, the voters confirmed only 6 requests. PEB members decided to came only to those voters who’s requests were confirmed by phone.
• PS 1/193, Chisinau, Rascani. The social worker filed a request for voting at the place of stay on the behalf of another person. The social worker is outside the PS. PEB Chairperson announced CEC and the Commission allowed the displacement of the mobile ballot box to the voter.
• PS 1/213, Chisinau, Rascani. A social worker who would be a party member submitted a request for voting at the place of stay on the behalf of another voter without proving documents.
• PS 1/224, Chisinau, Rascani. The social worker, who would be a member or a follower of a party and in charge for Central disctrict, submitted 5 requests for voting at the place of stay without attaching medical documents.
• PS 1/223, Chisinau, Rascani. At 5:07 p.m, the daughter of a voter requested the mobile ballot box. The request was not submitted during the time provided by the law. PS Chairperson and both candidates’ observers drafted a minute that they are not against displacement of the mobile ballot box to the voter.
• PS 1/190, Chisinau, Rascani. PEB members left with the mobile ballot box having 11 requests, but they returned with 12 ballot papers. A voter requested the mobile ballot box for herself. When the ballot box arrived, her husband also requested a ballot paper because he was in quarantine. The issue was discussed with the PEB Chairperson who allowed to vote.
• PS 1/291, Chisinau, Stauceni. The mobile ballot box left with 12 requests, but returned with 15 votes. PEB Chairperson argued that there was one more family of three members placed in quarantine.
• PS 18/055, Floresti, Rosietici. Voters from Rosietici Vechi can be found on the voter lists of Rosietici village. Thus, the mobile ballot box left to the neighboring village.

Deficiencies in the lists of voters (gaps between addresses; deceased voters; signatures instead of other people) – 10 cases.

• PS 1/87 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 2:52 p.m. a voter found that another voter signed instead of him in the main lists of voters. When the PEB Chairperson was asked how they solved the problem, the PEB Chairperson had answered that they just solved and that was all.
• PS 1/117 Chisinau, Center. At 3:32 p.m. one voter noticed a stranger registered at his address.
• PS 1/291, Chisinau, Stauceni. At 4:12 p.m., one voter entered the polling station and announced the PEB Chairperson that one more person was domiciled at his address and that he didn’t know that person. He was drunk and he got into conflict with the PS Chairperson. The voter went away before the police came.
• PS 34/5, Telenesti, Banesti. A voter signed by mistake instead of another voter. This was found when the voter instead of whom he signed came to vote. The PEB members drafted a fact-finding document on the basis of this situation.
• PS 11/24, Cimislia, Gura Galbenei. One voter found that someone mistakenly signed instead of him. The PEB members asked him to sign instead of the voter who signed by mistake instead of him.
• PS 36/19, ATUG, Ceadîr Lunga. At 3:35 p.m., a voter found that another voter signed instead of him. PEB Chairperson tried to fix the problem by identifying the error in the lists. Ten minutes later, given that the process of checking and solving the issue was delayed, the voter went away without voting.
• PS 11/26 Cimislia, Hirtop. At 5:43 p.m., the PEB members found that the number of voters registered in the SRV at that PS, who participated in the elections is not consistent with the number of voters from the main list of voters, which has by 3 voters less. The PEB Chairperson was trying to find the reason.
• PS 18/055, Floresti, Rosietici. The voters from Rosieticii Vechi v. are not on the lists of voters and are redirected to Rosietici v.
• PS 18/029, Floresti, Ghindesti. About 90 voters were not found in the lists of voters. PEB Chairperson said they had the same issue during the first round of elections. The voters have their residence in Ghindesti v., but they are included on the lists of voters of Ghindesti t.
• PS 01/261, Chisinau, Singera. Two voters that were not on the main lists were redirected by PEB members to another PS. Later on, the voters came back and expressed their indignation as regards this situation. The voters were included on the additional list of voters and they were allowed to vote.

Unjustified group voting (2 or more people were in the voting booth at the same time) – 4 cases

• PS 12/11, Criuleni, Corjova. At 1:11 and 1:15 p.m., in two cases, two individuals entered the voting booth at the same time. In both cases, those individuals didn’t need help. The PEB Chairperson was not in the PS at that moment.
• PS 1/100 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 3:04 p.m., two individuals voted in group without any reason.
• PS 11/15 Cimislia, Batîr. Two voters came together at the PS and voted. The lady showed the ballot paper to the person who accompanied her. None of PEB members reacted to that situation.
• PS 10/41 Causeni, Taraclia. Two voters entered in the voting booth to vote, husband and wife. Various observers informed the PEB members about this case, but with no result.

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) – 42 cases.

• PS 1/216, Chisinau, Rascani. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. At the insistence of PEB members the picture was deleted.
• PS 1/154, Chisinau, Ciocana. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. At the insistence of PEB members the picture was deleted.
• PS 1/194, Chisinau, Rascani. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The Chairperson did not see that.
• PS 1/195, Chisinau, Rascani. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The PEB Chairperson did not see that. The picture was not deleted.
• PS 1/91 Chisinau, Buiucani. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The picture was deleted.
• PS 1/92 Chisinau, Buiucani. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The picture was deleted.
• PS 32/007 Stefan Voda, Berezoaia. A PEB member was sitting too close to the ballot box. In this way he monitored the choice of each voter.
• PS 1/368, Italian Republic, Reggio Emilia. At 7:12 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/369, Italian Republic, Parma. At 7:32 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/369, Italian Republic, Parma. At 7:36 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/137 Chisinau, Center. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper. When the Chairperson was notified the voter was asked to delete the picture and he was supposed to do so.
• PS 1/92 Chisinau, Buiucani. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper. At the request of PEB Chairperson to delete the picture, the voter refused to comply and invoked the right to vote. The voter deleted the picture only after the police was notified.
• PS 11/24, Cimislia, Gura Galbenei. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The voter said he deleted the picture after the PEB Chairperson intervened.
• SV 1/353 Germany, Kassel. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/369, Italy, Parma. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• SV 1/353 Germany, Kassel. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/420 Spain, Barcelona. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/369, Italy, Parma. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/397, United Kingdom, Northampton. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/340 France, Paris. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/420 Spain, Barcelona. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/340 France, Paris. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• SV 1/353 Germany, Kassel. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/369, Italy, Parma. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 8/39, Cantemir, Sadic. Two voters took pictures of their ballot paper. In both cases the picture was deleted.
• PS 18/020, Floresti, Cuhurestii de Jos. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The PEB members intervened and the lady deleted the picture.
• PS 18/004 Floresti, Floresti. At 4:50 p.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The observer together with the PEB Chairperson called the police, which asked him to delete the picture. The voter didn’t want to comply and the police told him to come tomorrow at the section.
• PS 2/42 Balti, Balti. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The picture was not deleted.
• PS 37/14 transnistrian region, Causeni. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The picture was not deleted, the voter left the PS.
• PS 25/012 Orhei, Orhei. One voter took a picture of his ballot paper. He left the PS without deleting the picture.
• PS 25/012 Orhei, Orhei. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The PEB Chairperson did not manage to delete the picture because the voter managed to leave the PS.
• PS 11/24, Cimislia, Gura Galbenei. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. He deleted the picture at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 32/19 Stefan Voda, Olanesti. The voting booths are too close to the table of the operators who can easily see who the voters vote for. A voter said that he was threatened during the first round of elections after someone saw who he voted for.
• PS 11/24, Cimislia, Gura Galbenei. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper and he didn’t comply when the PEB Chairperson asked him to delete the picture.
• PS 1/406, Romania, Bucharest. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/420 Spain, Barcelona. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/377, Italy, Treviso. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• SV 1/353 Germany, Kassel. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/369, Italy, Parma. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 35/35, Ungheni, Costuleni. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper, but at the PEB chairperson’s request it was deleted.
• PS 35/3, Ungheni. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper, but at the request of those who were present in the PS, it was deleted.
• PS 06/037 Briceni, Tabani. The voting booths were disinfected including when the voters were making their choice, which violated the secret ballot.

Failure to observe COVID-19 protection and prevention measures – 16 cases.

• PS 1/291, Chisinau, Stauceni. About 12 people entered the PS, while there were only 5 voting booths. The Chairperson did nothing.
• PS 31/006, Soldanesti, Chipesca. The COVID-19 protection rules are not observed (the body temperature is not taken, the hands are not disinfected).
• PS 06/016 Briceni, Colicauti. The COVID-19 protection rules are not observed (the PEB members do not wear masks/face shields).
• PS 18/052, Floresti, Prodanesti. More voters than the number of voting booths (3) are allowed to enter the PS.
• PS 31/019, Soldanesti, Gauzeni. The COVID-19 protection rules are not observed. The body temperature is not taken at the entry in the PS.
• PS 06/040 Briceni, Caracusenii Vechi. The COVID-19 protection rules are not observed (the PEB members do not wear masks/face shields).
• PS 06/040 Briceni, Caracusenii Vechi, Tristieni v. The COVID-19 protection rules are not observed (the PEB members do not wear masks/face shields).
• PS 18/061, Floresti, Stefanesti. The COVID-19 protection rules are not observed (the PEB members do not wear gloves/masks).
• PS 18/016 Floresti, Ciutulesti. The PS lacks the register in which the temperature should be recorded.
• PS 18/013, Floresti, Casunca. More voters than the number of voting booths (4) are allowed to enter the PS.
• PS 1/405, Netherlands, The Hague. The temperature of the members and observers of the polling station was not taken.
• PS 32/3 Stefan Voda. A large number of voters were allowed to enter the PS at the same time. The PEB Chairperson managed to address the issue and to scatter the crowd.
• PS 1/218 Chisinau, Rascani. At 5:35 p.m., the person in charge of taking the temperature exited the PS. While that person was missing, an observer of a contender measured the temperature.
• PS 6/14 Briceni, Caracusenii Vechi. The PEB members do not wear face shields.
• PS 10/41 Causeni, Taraclia. A lady who did not wear a mask entered the PS. She was offered a disposable mask, but she refused to wear it despite the fact that she was warned about it.
• PS 01/208, Chisinau, Rascani. A number of 12 voters were inside the PS. The COVID-19 protection measures are not observed. The PEB Chairperson said he hadn’t noticed the crowd.

Ballot boxes were not sealed according to the legal procedures/tearing/damage or absence of seals on ballot boxes — 15 cases.

• PS 06/040 Briceni, Caracusenii Vechi. Two out of three stationary ballot boxes in the PS were not sealed.
• PS 18/061, Floresti, Stefanesti. One of those two stationary ballot boxes in the PS was sealed with 2 seals only. PEB Chairperson said they didn’t have enough seals.
• PS 06/005 Briceni, Lipcani. The seal of the ballot box was applied inappropriately, which allows to open the ballot box.
• PS 10/003 Causeni, Causeni. One of the stationary ballot boxes was not sealed. This box was used as stand for the ballot box they used.
• PS 13/027, Donduseni, Taul. There are 3 stationary ballot boxes in the PS and all of them have 3 seals each. The PEB Chairperson explained that CEC issued few seals.
• PS 13/027 Riscani, Riscani. The mobile ballot box is not sealed. The PEB Chairperson said the ballot box would be sealed when it will leave the PS.
• PS 01/268, Chisinau, Vadul lui Voda. The stationary ballot boxes were not sealed according to the legal provisions. One of the ballot boxes has 2 seals and the other has 3 seals.
• PS 34/036, Telenesti, Saratenii Vechi. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed only with 3 seals. PEB Chairperson said they received only 7 seals, per 3 seals for stationary ballot boxes and 1 for the mobile ballot box.
• PS 27/054 Riscani, Zaicani. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed by only 2 seals each.
• PS 1/443, Denmark, Copenhagen. The ballot box was sealed by only 2 seals instead of 4.
• PS 32/15 Stefan Voda, Festelita. Certain ballot boxes were sealed by 3 seals. The PEB Chairperson explained that the seals were insufficient.
• PS 6/14 Briceni, Caracusenii Vechi. Only one of two ballot boxes from the PS, was sealed. The PEB Chairperson explained that few people come to vote and they will not need the second box.
• PS 06/035 Briceni, Slobozia- Sirauti. The seal of the ballot box was applied inappropriately, which allows to open the ballot box.
• PS 33/006 Taraclia, Taraclia. One of the stationary ballot boxes was not sealed. This box was used as stand for the ballot box they used.
• PS 06/024 Briceni, Grimancauti. The observer noticed that a seal was ripped. Once informed about it, PEB Chairperson said the seal was accidentally ripped.

Electricity outages – 3 cases.

• PS 18/058, Floresti, Sanatauca. At 2:38 p.m., the electricity went down for 15 minutes. The voting process was not interrupted because the computers of the operators were on charged battery.
• PS 37/35 transnistrian region, Floresti, Sanatauca. During the day, at 2:00 p.m. and 2:19 p.m., the electricity in the PS went out for 5-7 minutes each time. The voting process was not interrupted.
• PS 37/35 transnistrian region, Floresti, Sanatauca. For the third time, at 4:40 p.m., the electricity went out for 10-15 minutes. The voting process was not stopped.

Unjustified suspension of PEB activity – 1 case.

• PS 1/58 Chisinau, Botanica. Voting was stalled for about 15 minutes at around 2 p.m., for a disinfection and ventilation break in the PS.

Other – 14 cases

• PS 1/218, Chisinau, Rascani. The observer of a contender offer consultation to voters if they have questions and gets involved in the activity of PEB (distribute masks, take the temperature). The PEB Chairperson reprimanded the observer.
• Chisinau municipality. A Promo-LEX observer received a SMS, which encouraged him to vote. The message was signed as being sent by a contender.
• PS 27/054 Riscani, Zaicani. The PEB Chairperson does not report the number of voters who cast their votes until a certain hour. Respectively, the observers did not receive these data.
• PS 06/021 Briceni, Criva. The stamps ‘Voted’ are not in the voting booths, but are hold in hands by the PEB members, who give them to every voter. The PEB Chairperson said this is a measure for preventing a further theft of the stamp.
• PS 1/348, Federal Republic of Germany, Berlin. Given that the polling station was not equipped for the people with disabilities, and the polling station is at the second floor, at 7:52 a.m. the PEB members took at the first floor a voting booth and a ballot box in order to create conditions for these people to vote. After they voted, the voting booth and the ballot box were taken back to the PS.
• PS 37/6 transnistrian region, Anenii Noi, Gura Bacului. Outside the PS the voters of the transnistrian region had an argument with the Radio Free Europe journalists, whose questions concerning the amount of money they receive and the reason why they do not speak the state language have upset them. The police was notified. The argument was settled.
• PS 1/382, Italy, Brescia. In the voting booth a ballot paper with the cast vote was found. The PEB Chairperson threw it in the ballot box.
• PS 1/349 Frankfurt on Main. As a result of the bomb alert, the PEB 1/349 Chairperson of Frankfurt on Main decided to suspend the voting for 1 hour, until 17:35, Moldova Time Zone. According to the observers, the local police received an anonymous call about a potential bomb alert in the vicinity of the PS. The police evacuated the area, the entrance on the territory was not admitted for security reasons. According to the police estimates, it will be necessary 1-1.5 hours to check the area for explosive.
• PS 1/95 Chisinau, Buiucani. One voter wanted to enter the PS without a mask. She discussed with the PS Chairperson, claiming that, according to a certain law, she had the right to enter. After the police intervention, the voter submitted a demand, but she did not vote.
• PS 1/213, Chisinau, Rascani. A voter with special needs came to vote with her daughter. She requested to enter the voting booth together with her daughter to help her to vote. The PEB Chairperson did not allow her, for the reason that she was a family member. She decided that the respective person could enter the voting booth accompanied by a voter who had already voted.
• PS 33/2, Taraclia. At 01:20 p.m., the observer of a candidate took a photo of a couple of voters with the ballot papers in front of a ballot box. PEB did not comment on the incident.
• PS 06/002, Soldanesti, Cotiujenii Mari. PEB members mentioned that the PS has not a complaints register.
• PS 06/035 Briceni, Slobozia- Sirauti. One voter was not admitted to enter the PS because he did not have a mask. After he left the PS, the PEB Chairperson called him back to vote and gave him a mask.
• PS 01/001 Chisinau, Botanica. Promo-LEX observer was called at 03:27 p.m. from the 022 802802-070 number by a 19 years old young man named Valerii. The observer was asked if he is going to vote and/or if he already voted. The interlocutor’s message was: ‘we do not indicate you for whom to vote, but we ask you to go to vote in order to ensure the number…’

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.

The opinions set out in the public reports and press releases of Promo-LEX OM are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of funders or partners. The content of this document can be subject to editing.

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]