On 27 June 2011, Promo-Lex finished the physical processing and manual entry of the minutes for counting the votes for the office of General Mayor of Chisinau, after the second round held on 19 June 2011. According to rectified calculations competitors have obtained: Chirtoaca (PL) – 50.60% or 186,916 votes validly expressed and Dodon (PCRM) – 49.40% or 182,494 votes cast. According to the calculations Promo-LEX announced on 20 June 2011 a 0.06% deviation from the results presented by the CEC.

After the physical processing and manual entry in the database of all the 300 original minutes presented by the Promo-LEX to detect a drift of 0.06% compared to official results. Thus the polling station 1 / 25 Chisinau, Botanica in the minutes for counting the votes (Minutes can be found below) the order of the registration of candidates was reversed. In rubric it was found that g1 Chirtoaca the PL candidate, and g2 Dodon the PCRM candidate.

We mention that the phone processing of the results,552 votes were attributed to Chirtoaca Dorin and 770’s votes were assigned Dodon, his counter. Technical error appeared because the internal telephone conversations according to the instructions of rapid counting, because both the observers and operators did not use the name of the competition in the discussions but letters for registration in the minutes, g1, g2, etc.

Recalling that on June 20, 2011 Promo-LEX presented the preliminary results of the parallel counting of votes for the mayor general of Chisinau. The presented data were gathered by telephone from Promo-Lex who reported the number of votes gained by each candidate in a standardized form.
Thus on 20 June 2011, Promo-Lex presented the following results: Chirtoaca (PL) – 50.66% or 187,134 votes validly expressed and Dodon (PCRM) – 49.34% or 182,276 votes validly expressed.
Promo-LEX parallel counting results contained a deviation of 0.06% compared with the data presented on 20 June 2011, officially by the CEC, according to which : Chirtoaca (PL) – 50.60% or 186,918 valid votes and Dodon (PCRM) – 49.40% or 182,494 votes validly expressed.

The Promo-LEX monitoring effort recalls that 12 errors were found in the minutes from the 300 records collected and processed. Errors were recorded in the control logic of the formulas defined by the CEC, errors that are unable to change the final score acquired by candidates. An erroneous 12 minutes and 9 minutes indicated differences in the verification formula i = c + h, ie the number of ballots received from of the precinct election office which coincided with the sum of the number of voters that received ballots and the number of unused ballots and the formula d = f + h, ie the number of voters who voted did not coincide with the sum of the number of ballots declared invalid and the number of valid votes cast.

Only one report of the polling station no. 1 / 54 Chisinau, indicated differences in the verification formula h = g1 + g2. The number of valid votes did not coincide with the amount of votes of the two candidates but had a practically insignificant affect upon the electoral result. Erroneous minutes generated a difference between the final results and outcomes of PVT counted by Promo-LEX compared to those by the CEC.

Promo-LEX is a non-governmental, apolitical and non-profit organization focused on promotion in Moldova, including Transnistria, of democratic values and international human rights standards.

This project is supported financially and technically by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI). The effort is co-funded by the East Europe Foundation with funds provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida / Sida), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. The opinions expressed are those of authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the donors.

For more details, contact: Carolina Bondarciuc, Public Relations Officer
Tel: (22) 450024, GSM: 069637849, e-mail: [email protected]

As part of the local elections monitoring effort Promo-LEX carried out a parallel vote tabulation (PVT) of results from all 300 polling stations in the Chisinau mayoral runoffs, on June 19, 2011. Promo-LEX lodged observers in each polling station, who, apart from collecting the official copies of results, have also been observing the entire electoral process, through filling out standardized reporting checklists. The observation of the electoral process in Chisinau has found the e-day dynamic but largely meeting most national legal requirements and international standards.

The Election Observation Mission (EOM) collected all 300 official copies of protocols, via telephone, and found 12 errors identified through the logical controls prescribed by the CEC. Noteworthy, only one of these erroneous protocols (PEB 54) had an error in the results section of the protocol that could potentially affect the general outcome by 3 votes.

The results of the PVT yielded the following results:
Dorin Chirtoacă – 50.66%
Igor Dodon – 49.34%

In absolute numbers the results are:
Dorin Chirtoacă – 187,134 votes
Igor Dodon – 182,276 votes

The main negative findings of the comprehensive qualitative assessment of the electoral process include the safekeeping of ballot papers (only 4% of polling stations reporting somewhat unsecure or irregular safekeeping of ballots). At the same time an alarming proportion of 24% of PEB observations reported at least one incidence of attempts or use of undue influence on voters.

Observers reported, in 13% of polling station reports, instances of aggressive behavior inside or in the vicinity of the polling stations, intimidation of voters or other stakeholders, and even isolated incidences of violent behavior. Electoral posting has been reported in the 50m range within the polling stations in 6% of observations.

The EOM collected at its Common Calling and Analysis Center both the qualitative data and results from the 300 static observers systematically, through phone, using standardized data collection and codification forms. These forms allowed efficient and accurate data collection from each polling station in Chisinau. The data has been stored in the Promo-LEX electronic system which allows the effort to safely and efficiently store the data and analyze the trends in the polling stations.

The PVT, carried out by Promo-LEX in Chisinau, aims at strengthening the public’s trust in the electoral process in general, and the votes Count in particular.

Promo-LEX is a non-governmental, non-partisan and non-profit organization that focuses on promoting democratic values and international standards of protection of human rights in the Republic of Moldova, including the Transnistrian region.

Promo-LEX extends gratitude to the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) for technical and financial support. The effort is co-funded by the East-Europe Foundation, from the resources of the Swedish Agency for International Development and Cooperation (Sida) and the Danish Foreign Ministry. The opinions expressed in this statement belong to the authors and do not necessarily mirror those of the donors.

For details and other inquiries, please contact: Carolina Bondarciuc, press officer
Phone: (22) 450024, GSM: 069637849, e-mail: [email protected]

Promo-LEX observers report that voting stations were opened according to the proper legal procedures. However, as of 11:00, many types of violations have been noted relating to the conduct of the electoral process:

Promo-LEX observers report several cases of continued electoral campaigning in the vicinity of the following voting stations (VS): VS 34/26 in Leuşeni, Teleneşti rayon; VS 155 Chişinău; VS 27 in Marinici, Nisporeni rayon; VS 28/58 in Rădoaia, Sîngerei rayon).

One instance of physical aggression – During the morning of June 19, in the vicinity of VS 288, Stăuceni, 3 young men were caught defacing the campaign posters of one electoral candidate. The young men were beaten with rifle butts, and taken to hospital in a state of unconsciousness. The identities of the three young men, and of those who beat them, are not yet known.

Organised transportation of voters – Cases of transport to voting stations being organised for voters (by interested parties) were noted at VS 55 in Comrat, VS 56 in Dezghingea and VS 6/22 in Drepcăuți. The minibuses transporting the voters bore the electoral poster of one or another electoral candidate.

Attempt at multiple voting – one case reported at VS 266 Vatra, Chişinău.

Alcoholic drinks sold in the vicinty of voting stations, and disturbances to public order – at least 10 cases (for example: at VS 187 Ciocana, Chişinău; at a VS in Tătărăuca Nouă, Soroca rayon; at VS 18/12 in Caşunca, Floreşti rayon; at rayon-based District Electoral Council (DEC) 36 in Comrat; at VS 17 in Ceadîr-Lunga). At VS 16 in Botanica, Chişinău, many people who had been consuming alcohol caused a disturbance in the vicinty and on the premises of the voting station, intimidating both Precinct Electoral Bureau (PEB) members and observers.

Many types of irregularities found on the electoral rolls – In some cases, certain citizens’ signatures were already on the electoral rolls, despite the fact that they had yet to exercise their right to vote (VS 236 Rîşcani; VS 108 Buiucani). Other people found the names of unknown persons registered at their places of residence on the rolls (VS 236 Rîşcani). Likewise, one case was reported in which the name of a deceased person appeared on the electoral roll (VS 236 Rîşcani)

Errors on the ballot papers – at least one case was reported in which mistakes were found on the ballot papers: Namely, in the village of Condrăteşti, Ungheni rayon, the name of one candidate was misspelled on the ballot papers.

Improper storage of ballot papers – At VS 13, in the village of Camenca, Glodeni rayon, the ballot papers were stored in a safe located in an office neighbouring the office housing the voting station. At VS 27/1, in Rîșcani, certain voters received the stamp from the first round of local elections (dated June 5th 2011) rather than the correct stamp for the second round of voting, showing the date June 19th, 2011.

Observer’s access obstructed – at VS 244 in the sector of Rîşcani, Chişinău, one Promo-LEX observer was prevented from moving freely through the voting station.

For further details contact Carolina Bondarciuc, Promo-LEX press officer: Tel: (22) 450024, GSM: 069637849, e-mail: [email protected]

Promo-LEX observers continue to report deviations from correct electoral procedures. In the period 11:00 – 17:00, observers have noted a series of cases in which electoral candidates have used legal means to challenge the actions of the candidates running against them. At least 9 such cases of appeals being made by candidates against rival candidates have been reported.

There have been several isolated cases of Polling-station Electoral Bureaus (PEBs) having been supplied with a surplus of ballot papers (compared to the number of voters registered on their basic electoral rolls). Namely at VS (voting station) 90, VS 91 and VS 71 in Chişinău; at VS 1 in Briceni; at VS 2 in Hîncești; and at VS 18 in Soroca).

Promo-LEX observers continue to report cases of campaign material being displayed illegally in the vicinity of voting stations. Thirteen new cases of this have been reported: at VS 10, VS 44 and VS 56 in Orhei; at VS 24, VS 25 and VS 12 in Cimişlia; at VS 20 and VS 21 in Floreşti; at VS 6, VS 7 and VS 46 in Sângerei; at VS 44 in Soroca; at VS 9 in Străşeni. In total, at the time of the writing, the displaying of electoral campaign material within 50m of a voting station has been noted at 41 out of the 300 voting stations in the municipality of Chişinău (i.e. 14%).

New cases of continued electoral campaigning have been reported: At VS 7 in Abaclia, Basarabeasca rayon; at VS 3 in Edineţ; at VS 9 in Căplani, Ştefan Vodă rayon; at VS 43 in Văseni, Teleneşti rayon; at VS 23 in Hruşova, Criuleni rayon; at VS 17 in Belicenii Vechi, Sîngerei rayon. A more serious case was reported at VS 3 in Cahul, where observers witnessed how one PEB member pointed out to one voter at least three times which candidate to choose.

The number of requests to vote at domicile that have been made is a cause for concern. At voting station number 42 in Şuri, Drochia rayon, for example, 90 such requests were received.

A new attempt at multiple voting was reported at voting station 26 in Glinjeni, Făleşti rayon.

Alcoholic drinks continue to be sold in the vicinity of several voting stations: at VS 15, VS 16, VS 25 and VS 32 in Ialoveni; at VS 15 and VS 52, Orhei; at VS 14 and VS 8 in Dubăsari; at VS 39 in Rezina; at VS 19 and VS 47 in Căuşeni; at VS 12 and VS 40 in Cimişlia; at VS 21 and VS 23 in Floreşti; at VS 17 in Teleneşti; at VS 46 in Sîngerei; at VS 53 in Rîşcani; at VS 26, VS 36, VS 45, and VS 12 in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia; at VS 12 in Călăraşi; at VS 175 in Chişinău.

Observers reported new cases of transport being organised to take voters to the voting stations (at VS 16/3 in Edineţ; at VS 31/10 in Cotiujeni, Edineţ rayon; at VS 6 in Leova rayon).

Cases of more than voter entering a voting booth at one time were reported at VS 14 in Ustia, Dubăsari rayon; at VS 19 in Batîr, Cimişlia rayon; at VSs in Sîngereii Noi and Belicenii Vechi, Sîngerei rayon; and at a VS in Varatic, Rîşcani rayon.

At least 5 cases of people voting using the wrong identity document, or without any identity document, were recorded at a VS in Drochia, Drochia rayon; at VS 45 in Congaz, Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia; at VS 12 in Bravicea, Călăraşi rayon; at VS 253 in Durleşti, Chişinău; at VS 64 in Taxobeni, Făleşti rayon. Some voters tried to vote using copies of their F9 forms, without either the accompanying sheet or their passport.

Two new cases were reported of observers being denied access to voting stations – namely at VS 23 in Hruşova, Criuleni rayon; and at VS 16 in Botanica, Chişinău.

For further details contact Carolina Bondarciuc, Promo-LEX press officer: Tel: (22) 450024, GSM: 069637849, e-mail: [email protected]

Promo-LEX presents here the findings of its monitoring effort for the period 17:00-21:00 on the day of the elections, June 19th.

Observers reported that all voting stations in the electoral constituency of Chisinau were closed at the correct time.

Towards the end of the day, cases of electoral campaiging continued to be reported. (New examples: VS (voting station) 4 in Coşniţa, Dubăsari rayon; VS 34 in Petreni, Drochia rayon; VS 58 in Etulia, Cantemir rayon; VS 6 in Leova). Two noteworthy cases were reported at VS 46 and VS 47 in Vorniceni, Străşeni rayon, where voters were offered a certain sum of money if they were to vote in a certain way. Observers noted that the campaigning at both voting stations was being carried out by the same person.

Cases involving the unauthorised displaying of electoral campaign material were reported at VS 38 in Suhulceni, Teleneşti rayon; in Chirca, Anenii Noi rayon; in Popeştii de Jos, Drochia rayon; in Răuţel, Ungheni rayon; in Heciu Nou, Sângerei rayon.

Observers reported at least another 15 cases of alcoholic drinks being sold in the vicinity of voting stations. Such cases were noted in the electoral constituencies of Cantemir (VS 12); Căuşeni (VS 48, VS 49); Chişinău (VS 246, VS 264, VS 277, VS 297); Cimişlia (VS 22); Hânceşti (VS 47); Ialoveni (VS 42); Taraclia (at a VS in Albota de Sus); Teleneşti (VS 36, VS 39); in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia (VS 30).

The monitoring effort identified more cases of intimidation, insults and acts of violence at the following places: at VS 25 in Izbişte, Criuleni rayon; at VS 246 in Codru, Chişinău; at VS 8 in Corbu, Donduşeni rayon.

The Promo-LEX mobile team was informed by the PEB (Polling-station Electoral Bureau) president at VS 25 in Moara de Piatră, Drochia rayon, of at least 15 cases in which money (50 lei) was offered to voters if they voted for the PCRM mayoral candidate in that locality.

At least one more case of a voting station receiving a surplus of ballot papers was noted at VS 2 in Briceni. At VS 19 in Hăsnăşenii Mari, Drochia rayon, a shortage of 46 ballot papers was reported.
New errors were found on the electoral rolls at VS 214 and VS 160 in Chisinau.

According to Promo-LEX observers, cases of transport being organised (by interested parties) to take voters to the voting stations continued. (Namely at VS 29 and VS 36 in Comrat; at VS 30 in Baurci, Căuşeni rayon; at VS 184 in Chişinău; at VS 12 in Chirca, Anenii Noi rayon; at VS 63 in Tomai, Comrat rayon.)

At VS 15 in Dominteni, Drochia rayon, several voters voted using photocopies of their identity card, as opposed to the original.

Unauthorised people were present at VS 107 in Chisinau; at VS 299 in Ghidighici; at a VS in Condriţa; at VS 273 in Bubuieci, Chişinău.

At least three voting stations were at one point or another without electricity. This was the case with VS 3 in Corjova, Dubăsari rayon, and at VS 45 in Petropalovca and VS 6 in Biruinţa, Sîngerei rayon.

For further details contact Carolina Bondarciuc, Promo-LEX press officer: Tel: (22) 450024, GSM: 069637849, e-mail: [email protected]

Chisinau. June 17, 2011. The Promo-LEX Association issued the third pre-electoral monitoring report on general local elections of June 5, 2011. The report covers the period of June 6 – 16, 2011.

According to Promo-LEX, after the first round of elections, the campaign continued with the same level of intensity, election activities being reported immediately after the announcement of the official results. The electoral administration operates with minor deviations and the media actively reflects the campaign, including the regional and local outlets. Nevertheless, isolated cases of violence, intimidation, use of administrative resources and electoral gifts continue to raise concern.

As far as the election administration’s performance, the monitoring effort has found that the provisions of the electoral legislation on elections validation generally have been met, even though observers reported exceptions related to technical errors in at least at two polling stations. Local public administration mostly manifested balanced behavior and tended to create equal conditions for all candidates. At the same time though, monitoring effort observed an small number of cases of use of public office for campaign purposes.

Observers noted and welcome the neutrality of electoral officials and a conscious performance of their functional tasks, as well as the replacement of those members whose incompatibility was found on Election Day. All the same, the Promo-LEX observers have reported isolated cases of refusal to issue protocols to observers. Observers have also reported cases of irregular interpretations and limited understanding of the legal norms concerning the transmitting of election documents, organization of the electoral bodies during the second round and preparation of electoral rolls for the second round of elections. The monitoring effort is also concerned about the change of composition of election bodies, especially in regards to the quality of the new members’ training. A large number of electoral officials are disappointed by the small honoraria received for their services.

Observers have noted a dynamic election campaign. Even so, Promo-LEX is concerned about the isolated cases of violence and intimidation (at least 4 such cases have been reported), as well as about the cases of use of the administrative resources (at least 4 such cases have been reported), but also the cases of electoral gifts (at least 9 cases were reported).

In context, Promo-LEX calls on candidates to be more active in submitting complaints regarding any violation of the electoral rules and provide them with adequate evidence. To this end, of the 56 complaints filed by candidates and monitored by observers at least 24 have been rejected.
The Promo-LEX monitoring effort notes the continued and active involvement of local and regional mass-media in reflecting election campaign. In particular, the role of mass-media can be noted in regards to the presentation of information on electoral administration’ activity, the second round mayor candidates and electoral education for the second round of elections.

The Promo-LEX monitoring effort reminds that it is not an investigative body and it does not intend to provide evidence for the observed findings. The more than 400 standardized reports of the observers served as the only source for drafting this report. Reports are based on direct observations, meetings with interlocutors and consulting official documents.

The full copy of the report in English language is available here.

For more details, please contact: Carolina Bondarciuc, Public Relations Officer
Tel: (22) 450024, GSM: 069637849, e-mail: [email protected]

Chisinau. June 17, 2011. The Promo-LEX Association issued the third pre-electoral monitoring report on general local elections of June 5, 2011. The report covers the period of June 6 – 16, 2011.

According to Promo-LEX, after the first round of elections, the campaign continued with the same level of intensity, election activities being reported immediately after the announcement of the official results. The electoral administration operates with minor deviations and the media actively reflects the campaign, including the regional and local outlets. Nevertheless, isolated cases of violence, intimidation, use of administrative resources and electoral gifts continue to raise concern.

As far as the election administration’s performance, the monitoring effort has found that the provisions of the electoral legislation on elections validation generally have been met, even though observers reported exceptions related to technical errors in at least at two polling stations. Local public administration mostly manifested balanced behavior and tended to create equal conditions for all candidates. At the same time though, monitoring effort observed an small number of cases of use of public office for campaign purposes.

Observers noted and welcome the neutrality of electoral officials and a conscious performance of their functional tasks, as well as the replacement of those members whose incompatibility was found on Election Day. All the same, the Promo-LEX observers have reported isolated cases of refusal to issue protocols to observers. Observers have also reported cases of irregular interpretations and limited understanding of the legal norms concerning the transmitting of election documents, organization of the electoral bodies during the second round and preparation of electoral rolls for the second round of elections. The monitoring effort is also concerned about the change of composition of election bodies, especially in regards to the quality of the new members’ training. A large number of electoral officials are disappointed by the small honoraria received for their services.

Observers have noted a dynamic election campaign. Even so, Promo-LEX is concerned about the isolated cases of violence and intimidation (at least 4 such cases have been reported), as well as about the cases of use of the administrative resources (at least 4 such cases have been reported), but also the cases of electoral gifts (at least 9 cases were reported).

In context, Promo-LEX calls on candidates to be more active in submitting complaints regarding any violation of the electoral rules and provide them with adequate evidence. To this end, of the 56 complaints filed by candidates and monitored by observers at least 24 have been rejected.
The Promo-LEX monitoring effort notes the continued and active involvement of local and regional mass-media in reflecting election campaign. In particular, the role of mass-media can be noted in regards to the presentation of information on electoral administration’ activity, the second round mayor candidates and electoral education for the second round of elections.

The Promo-LEX monitoring effort reminds that it is not an investigative body and it does not intend to provide evidence for the observed findings. The more than 400 standardized reports of the observers served as the only source for drafting this report. Reports are based on direct observations, meetings with interlocutors and consulting official documents.

For more details, please contact: Carolina Bondarciuc, Public Relations Officer
Tel: (22) 450024, GSM: 069637849, e-mail: [email protected]