Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019

October 20, 2019
Time: 9:30 pm

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019 informs of a total of 361 incidents reported by the Promo-LEX observers by 9:30 pm, the central team of the Promo-LEX Mission processed 361, of which 81 incidents are included in this press release:

Last details on elections

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019 finds:

Intimidation of Promo-LEX observers – 6 cases

PS 15/01 Dubasari / Cocieri. The STO was summoned by a police crew with regard to the cases of organized voter transportation to the PS. During the interrogation process, the police requested information that did not refer to the case, and when the STO refused to answer, they tried by different methods to influence the observer and intimidated him. In general, the actions of the police can be classified as intimidation. The STO was detained for a longer time and could not fulfill his duties.
PS 18/13 Floresti, Casunca. Inadequate behavior of the PEB president towards the observer, after he detected an incident involving unjustified presence of persons in the PS. The president’s words: “A filthy nation that spoils everything.”
PS 2/44, Balti. The Promo-LEX observer reported an incident that happened in the PS 44, afterwards, the PEB president approached the observer and raising her voice, requested that next time, the observer told her everything before reporting to the Promo-LEX central team.
PS 18/13 Floresti, Casunca. The PEB president verbally obstructed the Promo-LEX STO on the grounds that he reported incidents. The observer worries that he will not be able to obtain information from the PEB president later on.
PS 18/67 Floresti, Varvareuca. The PEB president verbally obstructed the Promo-LEX STO on the grounds that he reported incidents. The observer worries that he will not be able to obtain information from the PEB president later on.
PS 1/17, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. The observers were not allowed to freely observe the process of vote counting, telling them to stay near the door. The PEB members declared that “observers have too many rights”.

Presence of advertising materials, posters, electoral displays within the precinct (100 meters from the polling station)- – 1 case.

PS 13/10 Donduseni, Criscauți. An A4 poster was seen by the STO within 100 m of the PS.

Electoral/ negative campaigning to influence the choice of voters – 3 cases

PS 01/185 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. A voter was campaigning in the PS precinct, aggressively directing another voter to vote for a certain competitor. Being reprimanded by the observers, the aggressive voter left the PS.
PS 16/18. Edinet, Blesesti. All PEB members and observers have been questioned by the police as there are rumors about one of them doing electoral campaigning.
PS 11/46 Cimișlia, Valea Perjei. Representatives of two competitors are standing at the gate of the PS and do not allow into the polling station persons who are not from the locality. (Several foreign people were registered in the settlement).

Organized transportation of voters (coaches, minibuses or other units of transportation that normally would not be around the PS)- 2 cases

PS 21/06 Ialoveni, Ialoveni. A person engaged into organized transportation of voters. It has made at least 5 trips (according to the STO). The first two times, the person entered the PS and waited for the people inside. After being prevented by the PEB president, he just waited around the PS, arguing that he was helping his neighbors to reach the PS. He used his personal Range Rover, golden color, registration number AAP 986.
S V 1/283, Chisinau, Bacioi. At round 7:35 pm, a white minibus (Mercedes) arrived at the PS, registration number KWK 091, it transported several voters.

Unjustified presence of unauthorized persons in the PS or within 100 m of it – 5 cases.

PS 1/264 Chisinau, Durlesti. Starting at 11:00 am and until now (8:40 pm), there were two unauthorized persons (girls of about 20 years of age) within 100 m of the polling station. They were talking to the voters and once they got into the PS and started talking to PEB members. They were stopped and dismissed by the PEB vice-president. They presented themselves as representatives of Durlești town hall.
PS 15/01 Dubasari, Cocieri. A candidates’ husband stood within 100 m from the PS, talking with people. He was there for more than 30 min.
PS 1/281, Chisinau, Bacioi. A voter came to the PS three times, accompanying different people, arguing that they are his relatives (at: 11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 7:35 pm). The last accompanying person was not on the voters’ list and he was forbidden to vote.
PS 35/03 Ungheni, Ungheni. Two unauthorized persons came close to the PS and started filming the process inside the PS. After being observed, the police officer intervened, a police crew was called.
PS 18/13 Floresti, Casunca. A voter spent more than 20 min. in the PS being around the PEB members.

Acts of violence or intimidation of voters, or other persons – 7 cases

PS 1/219 Chisinau, Riscani Dist. A voter forgot his accompanying sheet and the operator forbade him to vote. Subsequently, after a few minutes, he returned with accompanying sheet, but he was given the ballots without applying the stamp ‘voted’ on the sheet. After this, he approached the operator, threw the sheet into his face and began to intimidate him.
PS 1/132, Chisinau, Center Dist. A voter came to the PS, took the ballots and said he would not vote until the press comes. The president threatened him to call the police. The voter calmed down and then left.
PS 1/296 Chisinau, Gratiesti. A voter photographed the ballots. Observers asked for the picture to be deleted. The person started to intimidate and threaten them. Later, the PEB president made a repeated reprimand and called the police. The man left the PS and leaving the ballots in the booth. The PEB president applied the stamp “canceled” on them.
PS 2/2 Balti. A TV reporter from Balti was obstructed by an observer from a political party. She was accused of being corrupt and of reporting to electoral competitors.
PS 1/13, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A competitor’s observer displayed aggressive behavior throughout the day, spoke out loudly, got involved and commented on PEB decisions. After receiving a warning from the PEB president, the person did not calm down, continuing to speak loudly, disturbing the people in the PS.
PS 2/55, Balti. An unauthorized person came to the PS and started yelling at PEB members, asking to see the voters’ lists. The person said that for 4 consecutive years, someone votes for his son, who never comes to the ballot. Due to that person, the voting process was temporarily suspended as intervention of the police was requested. The incident was settled and the voting process resumed. Subsequently, the voter’s son approached and voted quietly.
PS 1/141, Chisinau, Center Dist. A voter entered the PS, visibly irritated and with aggressive behavior. She was registered by the operators, after which she signed the list given by PEB members. For unclear reasons, she refused to take the ballots and left, swearing at the PEB members. The president canceled the ballot papers and made a report.

Unjustified group voting (there are two or more people in the voting booths) – 5 cases

PS 2/7, Balti. Two voters unjustifiably voted in the same voting booth.
PS 1/71, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. Two voters unjustifiably voted in the same voting booth.
PS 25/12 Orhei, Orhei. Two people were in the same voting booth, they consulted each other on voting options. The president intervened immediately and the issue was settled.
PS 12/1 Criuleni. A woman came with her daughter, who is 18 years old and they voted together in the same voting booth. The PEB members did not notice the case.
PS 1/154 Chisinau, Center Dist. Two people were in different voting booths, at a certain point, one voter asked for the other’s help to find the candidate they wanted to vote for. The voter from the other voting booth approached her and applied the stamp next to the candidate she wanted.

Deficiencies in the functioning of SIAS Elections system (suspension of operation; situations when SIAS Elections system indicates that the voter voted, and he claims not to) – 6 cases.

PS 1/154 Chisinau, Center Dist. The SIAS Election operator noted that in the system, the birthday of about every 2nd voter is wrong (with a difference of a day or two).
PS 1/149 Chisinau, Center. A voter approached the operator of SIAS Elections, the system indicated that he voted, but he claims that he did not. PEB members checked the voters’ lists and found that the voter did not vote. They gave him the ballots for voting.
PS 01/184 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. An error occurred in SIAS Elections system, it showed that a voter voted in the parliamentary elections of February 24, 2019, in the SMC no. 50 (Iasi). The voter demonstrated that he did not vote (showed the ID accompanying sheet) and was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 2/54, Balti. The domicile address indicated in the identity card of a voter did not correspond to the address from SIAS Elections. The voter was included in the main lists, however he was not allowed to vote.
PS 01/148 Chisinau, Center Dist. A voter was not found in SIAS Elections and was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 1/67, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. SIAS Elections system showed that a person voted, but he did not have the stamp applied. Having written a statement of responsibility that he did not vote twice, he was allowed to vote.

Deficiencies in the voters’ lists (discrepancies between addresses; deceased voters on the list; signatures affixed instead of others) – 14 cases.

PS 1/137 Chisinau, Center Dist. A voter noticed that on the list, there are 6 persons with a residence visa at his place. The voter communicated that last year, there were also 3 unknown persons registered at his address.
PS 26/37 Rezina, Solonceni. Two deceased persons were identified on the voters’ lists.
PS 01/185 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. A voter was not included in the voters’ lists, although his residence visa corresponds to the respective PS. The voter was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 2/54, Balti. In the case of a voter, it was found that the home address mentioned in the identity card did not correspond to the address in SIAS Elections. The person was not allowed to vote.
PS 1/103, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. Two voters, according to the address in their identity cards, had to vote in another PS. However, when they came to the appropriate PS, they were not allowed to vote given that they were not on the main lists, nor on the supplementary lists. The voters were redirected to the PS 1/103, the PEB members not being able to explain the cause. At the respective PS, the voters were identified in both SIAS Elections and the main voters’ lists, thus having the possibility to vote.
PS 2/42, Balti. A voter was not found in the main voters’ lists, but was found in SIAS Elections. He voted on the supplementary lists.
PS 2/50, Balti. Three voters living in the same apartment were assigned to different PSs. Finally, the problem was solved, by voting on supplementary lists.
PS 1/13, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A voter was not identified in the SIAS Elections, nor in the main voters’ lists. But according to the residence visa, he was to vote in the respective PS. After some consultations, the voter was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 1/44, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A deceased person was identified in the main voters’ lists. The PEB president said that a death certificate is required for the person to be excluded from the list.
PS 1/283, Chisinau, Bacioi. A voter was found in the SIAS Elections database, but not in the main voters’ lists, later being included in the supplementary lists.
PS 2/27, Balti. A voter tried to vote in the respective PS, but according to the residence visa and the voters’ lists, he was assigned to another PS.
PS 9/15 Calarasi, Harjauca. Within this PS, 28 voters voted on supplementary list, which proves that they recently registered in this village.
PS 1/292 Chisinau, Ciorescu. PEB members, after returning with the mobile ballot box, mentioned that there was a mistake in the voters’ list, a voter mistakenly signed for another person.
PS 1/137 Chisinau, Center Dist. A voter noticed that on the list, there are 6 persons with a residence visa at his place. The voter communicated that last year, there were also 3 unknown persons registered at his address.

Photographing of the ballot papers, other violations of the secret of voting (display of the ballot with the vote cast, misplacement of the voting booths that makes it possible to see the voter’s option, etc.) – 7 cases

PS 4/25 Anenii Noi, Hirbovat. At around 8:21 pm, a voter photographed the ballot in the voting booth. Although PEB members insisted, she refused to show the last picture, put the ballot in the ballot box and left.
PS 36/06 ATUG, Comrat. A voter tried to photograph the ballot, but was prevented about the risks, the ballot was canceled, and she signed for this incident. She did not vote repeatedly.
PS 01/119 Chisinau, Center Dist. The ballot boxes were not correctly located for 2 hours. During this time, a performance was showed, because the PS is located in the building of a theater.
PS 2/49, Balti. A voter tried to photograph the ballot. The PEB president immediately intervened and settled the incident.
PS 2/59, Balti. A candidate for the position of local councilor, while voting in the polling booth, took a picture on the ballot. When the PEB president asked him to show the phone, the voter refused and left the PS.
PS 1/43, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A voter took pictures of the ballot. This was noticed by the PEB members, who and asked to delete the picture.
PS 01/150 Chisinau, Center Dist. A voter photographed the ballot. PEB president did not notice it.

Non-compliant use of ballot papers – 4 cases

PS 23/04 Nisporeni, Nisporeni. Three ballots were found in the voting booth, two of them were stamped and one clean. All the 3 ballots were canceled.
PS 1/262 Chisinau, Durlesti. A voter attempted to remove the ballots from the PS. He was stopped by the PEB members, the voter rumpled and threw them into the ballot box without applying the stamp voted on them.
PS 2/42, Balti. A voter left a ballot in the voting booth. It was canceled.
PS 1/302, Chisinau, Stauceni. There are 3 cases, where voters left the ballots for the mayor’s office in the voting booth, later they were found by other voters and the PEB president canceled them.
PS 27/31 Riscani, Nihoreni. A voter tore the 3 ballots in front of PEB members, the LTO Ghenadie Usurelu and other people were present.

The ballot boxes have not been sealed in compliance with the legal procedures / broken / damaged or absence of seals on the ballot boxes – 2 cases.

PS 1/77, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. The ballot boxes were secured with only 2 seals.
PS 1/72, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. The ballot box was secured with only 2 seals.

Cancellation of ballots before the actual closing of the polling station – 6 cases.

PS 1/239 Chisinau, Riscani Dist. The PEB president took the ballots and began to apply the “canceled” stamps. He argued that they have few voters and they would not come until the closing of the PS.
PS 2/2, Balti. At 8:36 pm, the PEB president brought all the unused ballot papers, and the PEB members applied the stamp “canceled” on them and sealed them. Subsequently, they proceeded to the counting of unused canceled ballots.
PS 1/17, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. The PEB members began to cancel the unused ballot papers.
PS 2/52, Balti. At 8:52 pm, the PEB members began to cancel the ballots, reasoning that no one would come, because during the day, not even half of the total number of voters appeared. The PEB president, being present, did not intervene.
PS 2/3, Balti. PEB members, at 8.15 pm, left their places and went to the president’s office, where they applied the “canceled” stamp on unused ballot papers. They did not manage to cancel all the remaining ballots, as this fact was found by observers.
PS 2/15, Balti. The remaining ballots were canceled and the counting began at 8:50 pm, in the presence of the PEB president.

Use of defective camcorders – 8 cases.

PS 2/49, Balti. The camcorder does not work. A statement was drawn up by the PEB president.
PS 1/30, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. The unsealing process was filmed, but the camcorder was disconnected during the vote counting procedure. After some remarks, PEB president switched on the camera.
PS 27/50 Riscani, Vasileuti. The camcorder did not work in the morning and during the vote counting procedure in the evening. The PEB president contacted the DEC and they said they would send a new video camera, but it never came.
PS 01/167 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. The camcorder is not connected and is placed away from the desk where the ballots were counted.
PS 25/64 Orhei, Putintei. The camcorder is not connected during the vote counting procedure.
PS 16/33 Edinet, Goleni. The camera filmed all day until 5:00 pm and then turned off. The president did not take any action to resolve the issue.
PS 1/249 Chisinau, Riscani Dist. The camcorder worked for about 15 minutes and then disconnected; it no longer records anything (21:42). The PEB members tried to reconnect it, but in vain.
PS 1/91, Chisinau, Buiucani The camcorder did not work for 10-15 minutes.

Others – 7 cases

PS 1/154 Chisinau, Center Dist. The SIAS Election operator mistakenly introduced 4 persons from the lists of people who had to vote with the mobile ballot box, even if they did not vote. Later, people who really were on the list of people for voting at their domicile were introduced into the system’s database.
PS 01/196 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. A drunken man appeared in the PS and came into conflict with PEB members, because he was not allowed to check the list. The voter assumed that there are still persons registered at his residence.
PS 01/196 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. Two voters wanted to vote based on the sales and purchase agreement. The PEB president forbade them to vote. The latter began to insult the PEB and CEC members. To eliminate the conflict, the president ordered a taxi for the voters to take them to the PS where they are assigned.
PS 01/255 Chisinau, Codru. The PEB members came out with the sealed mobile box at 5:40 pm and returned at 7:05 pm. After this, the box was repeatedly sealed and again taken out from the PS at 8:05 pm and returned at 8:25 pm. The PEB members argued that there was still one person on the list of those who asked to vote at their place of domicile.
PS 1/22, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. The PEB members display strange behavior, they use a specific language, some unclear signs. One of them is permanently near the voting booth so he can see how voters vote.
PS 2/27, Balti. A voter came to the PS with some sheets of paper, left them on the desk, voted. Later, he returned and took his sheets and went back to the voting booth, applied several VOTE stamps on them and then gave the sheets to the PS members. The PEB president did not see the incident and did not intervene.
PS 11/30 Cimislia, Ivanovca Noua. At 8:35 pm, it was found that the number of ballots in the PS did not correspond. In the computer and on the lists the number of ballots coincided, while the real number of ballots did not coincide (1 set missing).The press release is made as part of the Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019 by the Promo-LEX Association with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the “Democracy, Transparency and Accountability” Program.The opinions expressed in the public reports and press releases of the Promo-LEX OM belong to the authors and do not necessarily reflect the point of view of the funders or partners. The content of this document may be subject to editorial review.For more details, please contact:
Inga Stegarescu, Communication Officer of the Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019. GSM 069269684, e-mail: [email protected]

Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019: New details on the elections

October 20, 2019
Time: 7:30 p.m.

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019 informs that from the total of 321 incident reports, reported by Promo-LEX observers by 6.30 p.m., 279 were processed by the central team of the Promo-LEX Mission of which 104 incidents are included in this press release:

Intimidation of Promo-LEX observers – 2 cases

DEC Soroca, 29. Promo-LEX observer, Vrabia Natalia, is intimidated and psychologically pressured by Zabrian Stela, president of DEC Soroca, as well as by Ursu Veaceslav, vice-president of the same DEC, on the grounds that the observer objectively reflected the activity of DEC Soroca during the electoral campaign.

PS 1/273 Chisinau, Singera. The Promo-LEX observer was intimidated and threatened by another observer, representing a competitor’s interests.

Presence of advertising materials, posters, electoral displays within the precinct (100 meters from the polling station)- 11 cases.

PS 14/6 Drochia. An A3 poster and two advertising posters have been seen within the precinct of the PS.
PS 13/6 Donduseni, Briceni. An A3 poster with political advertising is stuck on the pillar within 30 meters from the PS.
PS 32/16. Ștefan Voda, Marianovca. On the display at the entrance to the PS, there are two posters of a candidate.
PS 7/52 Cahul. Electoral posters placed on pillars within 100 m of the polling station.
PS 20/4, Hincesti. A candidate’s billboard has been noticed within the 100 m of the polling station.
PS 20/3, Hincesti, Billboards of two competitors have been noticed within 100 m of the polling station.
PS 20/14. Floresti, Caaunca. The observer found 2 electoral posters for two competitors placed within 30 m of the PS.
PS 1/297 Chisinau, Singera. An electoral banner is placed at a distance of 60-70 m from the PS. The observer announced the PEB president, after which the president announced the police. The candidate concerned arrived. Until now, the banner has not been removed.
PS 1/311, Chisinau, Ghidighici. An electoral poster (A4) was seen on a pillar at a distance of 90 meters from the PS. An observer notified the PEB president, and at 13.30, the electoral poster was taken away by a policeman.
PS 14/04 Drochia, Drochia. A flyer was stuck on a pillar, which is located between two PSs close to each other.
PS 20/14 Hincesti, Buteni. Electoral posters were seen within the distance of 30 m2 of the PS. The PEB president did not react.

Electoral/ negative campaigning to influence the choice of voters – 12 cases

PS 1/262 Chisinau, Durlesti. According to the observer, an independent candidate was at the entrance of a (food store), located 40 meters away from the PS and was carrying out electoral campaigning. The person was in that place for 20-30 minutes.
PS 32/16 Stefan Voda, Marianovca. A billboard and three posters are placed at the entrance to the PS.
PS 2/49, Balti. A candidate for the position of councilor was discussing with voters in the immediate vicinity of the PS. Neither the PEB president nor the policeman reported this fact and no measures were taken in this respect.
PS 2/51, Balti. A voter, being in the polling booth, was making electoral campaigning for a competitor and insisted that another voter (in the neighboring booth) should vote specifically for that candidate. The PEB president, approached the voter and tried to settle the incident, explaining to him that he has no right to engage in electoral campaigning. The voter, however, refused to comply with the requirements. Later, he left the polling station shouting “МАФИЯ НЕ ВЫИГРАЕТ” (MAFIA WILL NOT WIN).
PS 1/273 Chisinau, Singera. A candidate to the position of mayor was carrying out electoral campaigning activities at a distance of 75 meters from the PS. The person left, seeing that the observer took a picture of him.
PS 1/269 Chisinau, Singera. A candidate was carrying out electoral campaigning for about 30 minutes at a distance of 90 meters from the PS. He was later replaced by another candidate, who remained to do the same job.
PS 1/269 Chisinau, Singera. A candidate was moving around the precinct of the PS, making electoral campaigning. This took place between 11.30-14.30
PS 9/29 Calarasi, Paulesti. In front of the polling station, there were a few people and they were campaigning in favor of a Being reprimanded, the people moved away, but they continued to make electoral campaigning in the village. The campaigning is carried out by involving people in discussions, without any electoral material.
PS 1/221 Chisinau, Riscani Dist. A voter, after voting, approached the observers and started a discussion about the elections, stating for whom he voted. None of the PEB members reprimanded him and after 5-7 minutes, he left the polling station.
PS 25/13 Orhei, Orhei. Within 100 m of the PS, there were 8 people, who for about two hours, made electoral campaigning for a competitor. The police officer and the PEB president warned them that they have no right to campaign.
PS 01/299 Chisinau, Stauceni. The observer found that after voting, a voter dropped a piece of paper, stating what candidate to vote for.
PS 28/7 Singerei, Alexandreni. Electoral campaigning for a candidate near the PS.

Rumors, attempts or even cases of material or monetary rewards offered to voters to influence their choice – 3 cases

PS 1/287, Chisinau, Bubuieci. The observer witnessed a situation, where a person driving a Toyota car, reg. no. CRS 474 and an observer (not identified by whom it was accredited) offered money to a voter (about 1000 lei) with the exclamation “Держи зарплату!” (Here’s your Salary!) It is not clear for what services the money was provided.
PS 1/272 Chisinau, Singera. There is a bar at a distance of about 15-20 m from the PS, the voters, after voting, stopped there and discussed about the elections. Two people were present there permanently.
PS 11/46 Cimislia, Valea Perjei. Two voters have stated that they will receive 200 lei for voting for a certain candidate. It is rumored that if the voters manage to take pictures, they receive 400 lei. The PEB said he did not believe the rumors.

Organized transportation of voters (coaches, minibuses or other units of transportation that normally would not be around the PS)- 3 cases

PS 1/272 Chisinau, Singera. A Niva, reg. no. CPL-709, has several times (about 2-3 times) transported people to the PS. Most of the people brought to the PS were elderly or with special needs.
PS 32/24, Stefan Voda, Slobozia. An Audi with Italian registration numbers BC950KN brings voters to the PS, it stops at a distance of 200 meters from the PS, one of the voters was drunk.
PS 21/06 Ialoveni, Ialoveni. A citizen was seen transporting people and accompanying them up to PS. The PEB president was announced and discussed with him, he motivated his acts by the fact that he was helping the people in the neighborhood.

Unjustified presence of unauthorized persons in the PS or within 100 m of it – 6 cases.

PS 7/43 Cahul, Iujnoe. The candidate for the mayoral position was in the PS for 10 minutes. He had tea with the observers. At the president’s remark, the mayoral candidate left the polling station.
PS 01/278 Chisinau, Vatra. After exercising her right to vote, the LPA secretary stayed in the PS for about 15 min. After that she was within the precinct for 30-45 minutes at a distance of less than 50 meters and was doing electoral campaigning. She left after being notified by the PEB president.
PS 34/03 Telenesti, Telenesti. Councilor candidates from two competitors stayed for about 3 hours within 50 m from the polling station and discussed with each voter. The PEB president did not react to this incident.
PS 15/24 Dubasari, Cosnita. Having voted, the voters stay in the PS, they are discussing and the PS gets crowded. Some voters, after leaving the PS, return and this leads to agglomerations. PEB members display no reaction.
PS 25/07 Orhei, Orhei. An unauthorized person, representing one of the competitors, entered the PS and without presenting himself, started to film the PS. Being requested by the PEB president to interrupt the filming process and to present himself, the person behaved inappropriately. The case is taken over by the police.
PS 34/2 Telenesti. Unauthorized persons are within 100 m from the PS for a minimum of 4 hours, they have been seen from 13.30 to 17.30.

Acts of violence or intimidation of voters, or other persons – 6 cases

PS 1/69, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A voter has aggressively behaved in the PS. He verbally intimidated the president of the PEB. The reason for the conflict was the voter’s impression that the PEB members had told something about him. The PEB members tried to settle the conflict, after which the voter left.
PS 1/54, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. An observer of a competitor argued with another observer, both using strong words. The reason for the conflict was the fact that one of them was listening to music on the phone, and this disturbed the other. Following the involvement of the PEB president, the conflict was resolved.
PS 1/31, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A voter with an expired residence visa wanted to vote. When the PEB president did not allow him to vote, he displayed an aggressive behavior, disrupting the activity of the PEB. After the president threatened to call the police, the voter left.
PS 11/46 Cimislia, Valea Perjei. A group of voters did not allow an independent candidate to enter the polling station because they were not satisfied with his activity. After the intervention of 3 police crews, the candidate entered the polling station.
PS 01/260 Chisinau, Cricova. An elderly voter, after receiving the ballots, asked to vote with his wife claiming poor eyesight. His wife mentioned that he has no visual impairments and the PEB president forbade group voting. The man started threatening and cursing PEB members. Having voted, he publicly declared for whom he voted and left the PS.
PS 01/187 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. A possibly drugged person entered the PS and began to conflict with the PEB members. He then asked the president for help in applying the stamp.

Unjustified group voting (there are two and more people in the voting booths) – 9 cases

PS 1/74, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. Two voters – husband and wife – came to vote. They received the ballots, but the woman took all of the ballots and went with them to the voting booth, she applied the stamp on all the ballots received (including her husband’s). The reason claimed was that her husband was blind.
PS 15/9, Dubasari, Molovata. Two people entered the voting booth together, it was seen that one of them was showing something to the other.
PS 1/59, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. Father and son entered the voting booth together. After entering the voting booth, the son insisted that his father vote for a specific candidate. When the PEB members notified the voters of their behavior, the son began to swear.
PS 2/30, Balti. Two voters voted in the same voting booth. The PEB president did not notice this fact and did not take any measures to avoid the incident.
PS 1/154, Chisinau, Center Dist. A PEB member pointed to an old woman where she had to apply the stamp, being in the voting booth.
PS 1/154, Chisinau, Center Dist. One of the PEB members entered the voting booth together with the voter, indicating who to vote for.
PS 9/40 Cimislia, Sipoteni. Two people entered the same voting booth and consulted each other, and then they voted. The PEB members did not notice this.
PS 01/177, Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. Two people (husband and wife) entered the PS. The man said he was visually challenged and his wife voted for both of them.
PS 18/35 Floresti. Gura Cainarului. A candidate for mayor’s office came to the PS with his mother and a voter indicating them who to vote for.

Deficiencies in the functioning of SIAS Elections system (suspension of operation; situations when SIAS Elections system indicates that the voter voted, and he claims that he did not vote) – 7 cases.

PS 1/256, Chisinau, Codru. SIAS elections stopped working for about 7 minutes, during which the voters did not vote. As a result, a line has been formed in the PS.
PS 1/140, Chisinau, Center Dist. In the case of a voter, the number of his ID did not correspond with the one in SIAS Elections system, while the first and last name, including the personal ID code were identical (he changed the identity card). The PEB allowed him to vote.
PS 26/02 Rezina, Rezina. The voter’s name was on the voters’ list, according to the identity document, the domicile was established in the respective constituency, but the person was not found in SIAS Elections. That person voted on the supplementary lists.
PS 01/261 Chisinau, Cricova. The voter could not be found in the SIAS Elections database, but his residence visa fell within the respective PS. The voter was included in the supplementary list.
PS 01/275 Chisinau, Vadul lui Voda. The voter was not found in the voters’ lists and in the SIAS Elections database, he was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 2/21, Balti. A voter was not found in the main voters’ lists, nor in the SIAS Elections, but his residence visa was in the respective precinct. The PEB president directed him to the APS, to bring a confirmation of his residence. Later, the person returned without a confirmation, stating that the APS officials verbally confirmed that the residence is correctly established. The PEB president decided not to allow the voter to vote on the supplementary lists.
PS 1/12, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. In the case of a voter, in SIAS Elections it was recorded that the voter has already voted, but he declared that he did not vote, proving that he does not have the stamp on the identity card. The voter was allowed to vote.

Deficiencies in the voters’ lists (discrepancies between addresses; deceased voters on the lists; signatures affixed by other people) – 20 cases.

PS 01/192 Chisinau, Ciocana. A voter was not found in the voters’ lists, although the address in the ID corresponds to the PS. The voter was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 18/58 Floresti, Sanatauca. The candidate for the mayoral office registered 4 persons with temporary residence visa on October 14 or 15, 2019 and today, they voted on supplementary lists.
PS 1/56, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. In the case of a voter, according to the data from SIAS Elections, the address did not correspond to the voters’ address in the ID. The PEB members checked the main lists and did not find the person, they suggested the voter to go to the PS where he is assigned to according to the data from SIAS Elections. As a result, although based on the data in the identity card the voter had to vote in the PS 1/56, he was directed to another PS.
PS 2/27, Balti. A voter was not found in the main voters’ lists. He voted on the supplementary lists.
PS 1/39, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A voter identified in the main voters’ list an unknown person registered at his home address. He mentioned that in every election, he faces the situation when different foreign persons are registered at his home address. The PEB president could not comment on the situation and had no reaction.
PS 1/136, Chisinau, Center Dist. A voter has found known deceased persons on the voters’ lists.
PS 1/74, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. A PEB member incorrectly showed the voter where to sign. As a result, he signed in place of another person, not being informed about it.
PS 1/258, Chisinau, Codru. A voter was not included in the main voters’ lists, being included in the supplementary lists.
PS 1/139, Chisinau, Center Dist. A voter noted that another voter had already signed in the space intended for his signature (next to his name).
PS 1/136, Chisinau, Center Dist. A PEB member wrongly indicated to the voter the space in which he had to sign.
PS 2/29, Balti. A voter was neither in the main voters’ list nor in the SIAS Elections, although according to his identity card, his domicile was established in the precinct of the PS. The voter was not allowed to vote on the supplementary lists.
PS 1/131, Chisinau, Center Dist. A voter identified a foreign person with a residence visa in his apartment. He mentioned that the person had lived in the apartment for a long time. The voter also went to the PSA to exclude all foreign persons from his apartment, but the name still appeared in the voters’ lists.

PS 7/7 Cahul. The voters’ lists with the voters that are in the hospital arrived at the PEB at around 12 o’clock. The president did not have a reaction.

PS 1/217 Chisinau, Riscani Dist. The voter found the presence of a deceased person on the voters’ lists.
PS 1/232 Chisinau, Riscani Dist. The voter was not included in the voters’ lists nor in the SIAS database and was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 01/192 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. The voter could not be found on the voters’ lists, but his residence visa corresponds to the PS. He was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 01/275 Chisinau, Vadul lui Voda. The voter was not included in the main lists and was included in the supplementary list.
PS 1/222 Chisinau, Riscani Dist. The voter was not included in the voters’ lists nor in the SIAS database, he was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 1/213 Chisinau, Riscani Dist. A voter found her sister on the voters’ lists, although she had died 5 years ago. The PEB president made a note next to the name so no one could not sign in her place.
18/1 Floresti, Marculești. Between October 16 and 17, 2019, 16 people (with temporary residence visa) were registered. The given activity is in the interest of a party candidate.

PS 4/20 Anenii Noi, Delacau. A voter photographed the ballot in the voting booth. The PEB president reprimanded the voter.
PS 1/213 Chisinau, Riscani Dist. A voter twice photographed the ballot. This was not observed by the PEB members.
PS 1/132, Chisinau, Center Dist. A voter photographed the ballot. The PEB president asked for the pictures to be deleted, but the voter refused, leaving the PS.
PS 1/22, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. The voting booth is set up in such a way that the president of the PEB can see the voting process and the voter’s choice. The PEB members have no reaction.
PS 1/22, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A PEB member entered the voting booth while a voter was there.
PS 23/04 Nisporeni, Nisporeni. The voter took pictures in the voting booth. After he voted, the PEB president said that it was forbidden to photograph the ballots, to which the person replied that he had taken pictures for himself. He later left the PS.
PS 01/299 Chisinau, Stauceni. A voter photographed the ballot. An observer saw this and notified the PEB president, as a result, the president canceled the ballot and prohibited the given person from voting repeatedly.
PS 4/26 Anenii Noi, Hirbovat. The voting booths are placed inappropriately, without much effort, one can see the voting options. Party observers can see it too. A competitor’s observer is walking behind the voting booths.

Non-compliant use of ballot papers – 6 cases

PS 18/67. Floresti, Varvareuca. It is rumored that someone did not put a ballot into the ballot box, but took it with him, the PEB president is aware of the fact, he said that the counting will reveal if anything is missing.
PS 2/33, Balti. An empty ballot was identified in the voting booth. The PEB president canceled it.
PS 1/17, Chisinau Botanica Dist. A voter forgot a ballot paper on the desk, without applying the “VOTED” stamp on it. When he left the PS, the PEB members noticed the ballot, called the observers to decide what to do with it. As a result, it was decided to place it in the ballot box, so that the it would be canceled at the counting stage.
PS 4/25 Anenii Noi, Hirbovat. A voter noticed a voted ballot in the voting booth. The president took it and introduced it into the ballot box.
PS 35/03 Ungheni, Ungheni. A voter, after receiving the ballot, tore it in front of PEB members. After that, the PEB members called the police. The police are trying to solve the case. So far, no protocols have been drafted on the case.
PS 1/43, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A voter took a ballot paper and left, without throwing it in the ballot box. When it was noticed, the PEB members went after him, took the ballot paper and put it into the ballot box.

The ballot boxes have not been sealed in compliance with the legal procedures / breaken / damaged or absence of seals on the ballot boxes – 4 cases.

PS 48/6, Anenii Noi. There are 2 stationary boxes in the PS. The first box is regularly sealed and is placed over the second one that is unsealed (used as a support for the first one).
PS 4/23 Anenii Noi, Geamana. 3 out of 4 ballot boxes are unsealed.
PS 4/26 Anenii Noi, Hirbovat. Out of 2 stationary boxes, only one was sealed.
PS 4/6 Anenii Noi. The second (additional) stationary box is not sealed throughout the day.

Others – 8 cases

PS 1/56, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A voter approached the PS and demanded that a mobile box be sent to his place (for an elderly relative). The PEB president refused, claiming that no application was made in this regard. The voter argued that he submitted such a request to the PEB on Friday – a thing denied by the members of the bureau. In addition, the president mentioned that last year, he had problems when voting at home. The voter said he would file a complaint.
PS 1/152, Chisinau, Center Dist. A voter was registered in SIAS Elections without having the accompanying sheet of the ID. The PEB president did not allow him to vote, asking him to go and make a provisional sheet to vote since his data were introduced into the SIAS Elections.
PS 2/18, Balti. A voter presented the identity card to the PEB members, was registered in the SIAS Elections, but was not allowed to vote because he did not have the accompanying sheet of the ID.
PS 1/239 Chisinau, Riscani Dist. A voter was included in the “Voted” list of the SIAS Elections database, without checking the presence of accompanying sheet. Later the PEB members forbade him to vote because he did not have the accompanying sheet.
PS 01/275 Chisinau, Vadul lui Voda. At 13.00, the president of the PS 275 found that they also have ballots referred to the PS 274. He assumed that they could also be placed in the ballot box. The ballots that were assigned to the wrong PS were canceled. He said that if they found the wrong ballot papers, he would not cancel them because it would violate the voting rights of the voters.
PS 31/32 Soldanesti, Vadul Rascov. In the morning, the PS received 37 applications for voting at one’s domicile. Until 3 pm, another 4 applications were submitted, without being accompanied by medical certificates, as claimed by the PEB president. 41 ballots were taken together with the mobile ballot box. The PEB president did not comment on this circumstance.
PS 01/174 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. A voter approached the observer and said she was called from an unknown number and instructed to vote for a competitor.
PS 1/154, Chisinau, Center Dist. PEB members received, until 3:00 pm today, 3 requests to vote at the place of domicile (with the mobile ballot box), without submitting any medical certificates. The applications were submitted by the relatives of the applicants.

The press release is made as part of the Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019 by the Promo-LEX Association with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the “Democracy, Transparency and Accountability” Program.

The opinions expressed in the public reports and press releases of the Promo-LEX OM belong to the authors and do not necessarily reflect the point of view of the funders or partners. The content of this document may be subject to editorial review.

For more details, please contact:

Inga Stegarescu, Communication Officer of the Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019. GSM 069269684, e-mail: [email protected]

Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019: New details on the elections

October 20, 2019
Time: 2:30 p.m.

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019 informs that from the total of 196 incident reports, reported by Promo-LEX observers by 1.30 p.m., 176 were processed by the central team of the Promo-LEX Mission of which 150 incidents are included in this press release:

New details on the elections

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019 finds:

Unjustified suspension of voting procedures – 1 case

PS 11/22 Cimislia, Gradiste. At 11:05 am, the PS was declared closed due to non-operation of SIAS Elections system, the doors of the PS were closed, voters were not allowed in. The problem was remedied after 10 minutes and the PS resumed its activity.
Presence of advertising materials, posters, electoral displays within the precinct (100 meters from the polling station) – 15 cases.
PS1 / 282, Chisinau, Bacioi. An electoral poster of a mayoral candidate is placed at distance of 10 meters from the PS.
PS 13/3 Donduseni. On the morning of the election day, a poster representing a candidate for the mayoral office was installed at a distance of 30 m from the PS. The poster was later removed.
PS 7/18. Cahul, Andrusul de Jos. It was reported at 08:15 that some electoral posters of a competitor are placed within 100 m of the PS. PEB members claim that yesterday at 4 pm, there was nothing there. The PEB president announced the police. The posters were not removed until 9.00 am.
PS 7/43 Cahul, Iujnoe. In the morning, a poster depicting one of the competitors was found at a distance of 30 m from the PS. The PEB president was announced and the poster was removed.
PS 1/289, Chisinau, Budesti. A poster of a candidate was stuck on the door of a shop, located at a distance of about 70 m from the PS.
PS 1/108, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. A banner of a competitor was noticed at a distance of about 70 m from the PS.
PS 1/110, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. At 07:45, a truck bearing the logo of one of the competitors was parked within 70 of the PS. The PEB president and an observer approached the car, but they did not find the owner / driver of this truck.
PS 33/7 Taraclia, Tvardita. At 07:30, one of the candidates noticed a 5×3 m billboard placed within 30 m of the PS.
PS1 / 265 Chisinau, Ghidighici. The observer reported that an electoral poster (1×1 m) representing one of the mayoral candidates was seen on the wall of a garage, which is located at a distance of 5-10 m from the PS. It was removed by an observer and later restored again by someone. The PEB president announced the police about the case.
PS 12/5 Criuleni, Balabanesti. An A4 poster representing a mayoral candidate was stuck on a pillar at about 30-40 m from the PS.
PS 14/29, Drochia, Palanca. Posters of a competitor were observed on the display near the PS. At around 10:40, they were removed.
PS 31/1, Soldanesti, Alcedar. Advertising materials were \ stuck on the pillars within 50-100 m from the PS.
PS 14/29, Drochia. Salvirii Noi. Posters of 2 competitors were seen on pillars within the precinct of the PS.
PS 13/1, Donduseni. A4 posters of 2 competitors were seen within 50 m of the PS.
PS 1/269, Chisinau, Singera. A tent with the signs of a party was placed near the PS.

Electoral/ negative campaigning to influence the choice of voters – 15 cases

PS 1/269, Chisinau, Singera. At 8:57 am, a minibus was observed parked near the House of Culture in Singera, at a distance of 300 m from the PS 269. It was a blue Mercedes Benz, Sprinter EIR 772, which had electoral posters with the image of a candidate for the mayor’s office on it.
PS 1/269 Chisinau, Singera. At 8:57, a white minibus was seen parked near the House of Culture in Singera, at a distance of 300 m from the PS 269. It was an Iveco CUAC 964, with a 2 x 3 street banner for one of the candidates on the lateral part of the vehicle.
PS 2/48, Balti. At 09:12, two voters were discussing inside the polling station about the existing electoral options, mentioning competitors’ names.
PS 1/14, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. The observer representing one of the competitors told the voters who came to the PS what to do, where to go, what desk to approach etc. After the PEB president was informed about it, the observer stopped involving, and the president said he would take action if the situation is repeated.
PS 36/46 ATUG, Cismichioi. One of the competitors’ representative carried out electoral campaigning around the precinct.
PS 01/278 Chisinau, Vatra. In the PS, two voters publicly gave each other directions on the voting options. PEB members did not react to the case.
PS 32/06 Ștefan Voda, Antonesti. One of the candidates for the mayor’s office has been in the precinct of the PS (within 100 m of PS) from the morning until the incident was reported (09:46). The PEB president has seen the candidate. He changes his location periodically, talks to the voters, the subject of their discussion is not known. There is photo evidence of the case.
PS 32/6 Ștefan Voda, Antonesti. In the PS, four voters waiting in the line were discussing loudly about the candidates on the ballot and even mentioned the candidate for whom they wanted to vote, telling the candidate’s number.
PS 18/9 Alexeevca, Floresti. A voter was making electoral campaigning in front of the PS at a distance of 10-15 m. The STO has not heard exactly in whose favor he was campaigning. The PEB president and the police were announced, the president went out and talked to the person after which he left.
PS 1/91, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. A voter entered the PS precinct with a bag that had a PPS logo on it. PEB members noticed it only after the voter left the voting booth.
PS 1/278 Chisinau, Vatra. A voter was carrying out campaigning activities in the PS, expressing his opinion on the voting options.
PS 01/168 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. Two voters were discussing the voting options standing in front of PEB members’ desk. They stopped talking only when the president said they would call the police.
PS 1/122 Chisinau, Center Dist. A voter heard how a PEB member suggested to a senior woman to vote for a certain candidate.
PS 36/1 ATUG, Comrat. About four people were carrying out campaigning activities in support of a competitor within 100 m of the PS.
PS 11/17 Cimislia. Ciuncur Mingir. Having voted, a citizen went out to the polling station and started campaigning for a candidate.

Rumors, attempts or even cases of material or monetary rewards offered to voters to influence their choice – 5 cases

PS 25/81 Orhei, Viscauți. A table has been installed in a former store, located within 150 m from the PS, with tea and coffee being offered to voters. A passer-by claims that they give cash rewards for voters in that place.
PS 18/35 Florești, Gura Cainarului. The friends of a mayoral candidate invited voters to the nearby bar.
PS 26/39 Rezina, Trifesti. The STO noticed a point of sale / bar, near the PS, a police officer was there, too. Thus, having voted, a group of voters went to the point of sale. The policeman intervened, when he noticed that he was watched by the STO.
PS 16/18, Edineț, Blesesti. Voters gather in front of a shop at a distance of 20-30 m from the PS. The PEB members did not intervene.
PS 25/41 Orhei, Jora de Mijloc. A group of people representing one of the competitors, having some lists in hands, approached all the voters and discussed (within 100 m from the PS). This lasted for about one hour.

Organized transportation of voters (coaches, minibuses or other units of transportation that normally would not be around the PS) – 9 cases

PS 36/46 ATUG, Cismichioi. The observer saw a white minibus (8-9 seats) stopped 3-4 times near the PS. The STO heard how voters were told that “in the center of the village, they will receive rewards.”
PS 15/1, Dubasari, Cocieri. Voters arrived in an organized manner on 2 minibuses. Each of them had about 15 voters on board. The PEB president knows of the situation. The voters claim that they are from the neighboring settlement, but they are registered within the respective PS.
SMC no. 48, PS 48 / 11,12, Transnistrian region. At 09:48, at a 10-minute interval, two white minibuses from Bender arrived and parked near the PS. About 15-20 people came out of the minibuses, entered the PS and voted. After voting, they got into the same minibuses.
SMC no. 50, PS 50/62, Romania, Iasi. A group of about 11 people entered the PS, after voting, they showed their passports to one of the observers. The people seem to be transported by a Mercedes, registration numbers / a HUW 813, registered in the RM.
SMC no. 50, PS 50/62, Romania, Iasi. A group of about 8 persons entered the PS. Going outside, the STO noticed that the people got into the Mercedes minibus reg. no. Î BLDI 277, which runs on the Iasi – Balti route.
PS 32/6 Ștefan Voda, Antonesti. Two vehicles were observed: a Vito minibus (freight), gray color, registration number PS AL 263 and a Dacia Logan, white color, registration number OOT329. It transported at least 6 elderly people, who entered the premises of the PS. The Dacia Logan was driven by a local party activist, seeing that they were shot, they started to justify their acts.
PS 2/1, Balti. There was noticed continuous and organized transportation of voters in favor of a competitor (8-9 voters at a time), using a T5 minibus, registration number GME 694. This minibus made at least 3 rounds, bringing to the PS about 27 voters.
SMC no. 48. PS 48/20 Causeni, Hagimus. A voter announced the observer that every hour, minibuses from Bender bring voters to the PS. They are parked at a distance exceeding 100 m from the PS, therefore, the PEB president said he cannot intervene.
SMC no. 48. PS 48/19 Causeni, Hagimus. Two white minibuses that arrived from Bender are parked at the gate of the polling station, within 100 m. Each of them brought 10 people. Elderly people voted in an organized manner. The PEB president announced that he cannot ban them from voting.

Unjustified presence of unauthorized persons in the PS or within 100 m of it- 20 cases.

PS 11/46, Cimislia, Valea Perjei. At 07:31, it was reported that a candidate for the position of local councilor, was in front of the PEB desk. At the president’s remark, he withdrew. However, according to unofficial data obtained from several sources, the candidate was waiting for a group of 15 people from another settlement, who had a residence visa in this settlement to vote for a specific candidate.
PS 26/02 Rezina, Rezina. An unauthorized person spent about 10 minutes in the PS, during this time, he consulted the representative with the right to consultative vote of one of the competitors. The PEB president did not react.
PS 24/03 Ocnita. One of the mayoral candidates entered the PS and wished them good luck. His domicile is within another PS.
PS 2/58, Balti, Elizavetovca. At 07:36, it was noticed that a grey Dacia, registration number BL DM 370, was parked within 100 m from the PS. The PEB president came out of the PS with three A4 sheets and showed them to the person in the car.
PS 5/14, Basarabeasca, Sadaclia. Observers representing 2 competitors do not have their accreditations. The PEB president allowed them to monitor the elections based on the decision of the DEC, which is neither signed nor stamped.
PS 5/15, Basarabeasca, Sadaclia. Observers representing 2 competitors do not have their accreditations. The PEB president allowed them to monitor the elections based on the decision of the DEC, which is neither signed nor stamped.
PS 11/37, Cimislia, Mihailovca. At least until 8:40 am, the district police officer was permanently inside the PS.
PS 01/278 Chisinau, Vatra. The STO mentions the presence of one of the candidates for the position of local councilor, representing the PPS. The person came at 7.15 and voted, then he came again at 8.30, accompanied by two voters and returned at 9.30, he discussed with the observer from a competitor and with PEB members, including PEB president. He stayed in the PS for 7 minutes and left. The PEB president did not intervene.
PS 27/50 Riscani, Vasileuti. A candidate for the position of district and municipal councilor, spent about an hour in the hall of the PS, discussing with two observers and with a PEB member.
PS 11/26 Cimislia, Hirtop. After voting, a candidate for the position of local councilor spent in the PS about 20 minutes, discussing with an observer. The PEB president did not react.
PS 2/25, Balti. A police officer (dressed in a policeman’s uniform), periodically enters the PS and watches the voting process, spending in the PS about 5 – 10 minutes (the situation has been observed at least 3 times). The president of the PEB asked him to leave the PS, but he refused.
PS 18/67 Floresti, Varvareuca. After voting, a candidate for the mayoral office stayed in the polling station, he was asked by the president to leave, at the time of the call, he was discussing with other villagers.
PS 24/03, Ocnita. A candidate for the mayor’s position entered the PS and wished everyone good luck. The candidate is domiciled within another PS.
PS 19/7, Glodeni, Balatina. At a distance of only 25 m from the PS, one of the candidates to the position of councilor was discussing with two voters. Noticing that he was being shot by the observer, he immediately left.
PS 18/23 Floresti, Unchitești. A candidate for the mayor’s office was noticed in front of the polling station discussing with voters who were going to vote.
PS 18/22. Florești, Cuhurestii de Sus. The mayoral candidate spent in the PS about 10 minutes, discussing with observers.
PS 12/20 Criuleni, Harpul Mare. A candidate for the mayoral office entered the PS and discussed with the voters. Several lines formed in the polling station at that time. The PEB president commented on the candidate’s behavior and he left. According to the observer, that candidate votes in another polling station and should not normally be present in this PS.
PS 28/27 Singerei, Copaceni. The president of the territorial organization of a party entered the premises of the PS. He is not on the main lists of this PS, but he accompanied 2 other voters.
PS 9/47 Calarasi. Valcinet. A candidate for the position of mayor, was within 100 m of the PS. He greeted and discussed with each voter.
PS 22/26 Leova. Cupcui. The supporters of a competitor were within 100 m of the polling station, holding discussions with voters.

Ballot boxes have not been sealed in compliance with the legal procedures / broken / deteriorated or complete absence of seals on the ballot boxes – 1 case.

PS 33/26 Taraclia, Salcia. The ballot boxes have not been properly secured. The mobile box has no seal, and the stationary one has only 2 seals. The PEB president did not react.

Acts of violence or intimidation of voters or other persons – 2 cases

PS 18/9 Floresti, Alexeevca. In the PS, an elderly woman was shouting and verbally harassing / assaulting PEB members. The president reprimanded her, then she calmed down, voted and left the PS.
PS 18/9 Floresti, Alexeevca. A voter being drunk, verbally assaulted the PEB members. He calmed down and then voted.

Unjustified group voting (there are 2 and more people in the voting booths) – 11 cases

PS 01/194 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. Husband and wife voted in the same voting booth. The PEB president was not present to comment.
PS 01/278 Chisinau, Vatra. 3 citizens voted in group (of them 2 are elderly). One of the voters (who works for the town hall) gave directions to the elderly for whom to vote, arguing that they are mentally challenged. The PEB members did not react to this case.
PS 1/287, Chisinau, Bubuieci. Two people voted simultaneously in the same voting booth, where one gave directions to the other. PEB members did not comment on it.
PS 9/45 Calarasi, Tibirica. A lady came with an elderly man, who was not able to vote individually. Without consulting with the old man, the woman applied the stamp for him. The PEB members did not have any reaction to the case, and the woman concerned said that she was the old man’s guardian, but she did not present any confirmatory documents.
PS 15/1. Dubasari, Cocieri. A blind person asked for help to sign and vote. The PEB president asked another voter who was in the PS to help the person. He, in turn, tried to influence the vote of the blind person. The PEB president noticed it and reprimanded the man.
PS 1/103, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. Two people voted in the same voting booth. The president and members of the PEB did not react.
PS 2/44, Balti. Two people voted in the same voting booth. The PEB president has not taken any measures to resolve the case.
PS 9/39 Calarasi, Sipoteni. Two elderly people entered the same voting booth. The PEB president made a remark, but the people voted anyway.
PS 01/165 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. Two people voted in the same voting booth. The PEB members made a remark, but the people ignored it.
PS 2/28, Balti. Two voters entered the same voting booth (relatives – grandfather and grandson). Although the elderly person did not have any visual impairments (he did not need help), his grandson indicated to him where to apply the seal. The PEB president made a remark, but they paid no attention to it.
PS 1/47, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. Two elderly people voted in the same voting booth. PEB members noticed it only after the people had already voted.

Undistributed ballot papers are not kept in a safe place inside the polling station – 1 case.

PS 11/36 Cimislia, Mihailovca. The ballots are stored on the windowsill of the polling station, anyone can reach them.

Deficiencies in the functioning of SIAS Elections system (suspension of operation; situations when SIAS Elections system indicates that the voter voted, and he claims that he did not vote) – 9 cases.

PS 18/47 Floresti, Nicolaevca. The voter was not found in SIAS Elections system, but his name was on the main voters’ lists.
PS 26/39 Rezina, Trifesti. SIAS Elections system is very slow, the reason stated is poor Internet connection. The PEB president requested the help of the network operator and the problem is being resolved.
PS 2/30, Balti. At 07:58 and 8.30, the operation of the SIAS Elections system was suspended for 5 and respectively 20-25 minutes for technical reasons.
PS 1/88, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. At 09:12, it was found that SIAS Elections system did not work because the Internet was disconnected. The voters are registered manually by the operators.
PS 1/30, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. At 08:55, the operators identified a voter whose name was indicated with errors in SIAS Elections system.
PS 01/169 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. SIAS Elections System does not work because the Internet has been disconnected. Technicians from Moldtelecom were called. The voting procedure was not suspended.
PS 1/31, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. Two voters who have recently changed their residence, came to vote at the PS 1/62 to which they had been assigned based on their old address. There, however, after entering the data in SIAS Elections, the new address mentioned in the IDs was observed and they were not allowed to vote, being directed to the correct PS (1/31).
PS 21/39 Ialoveni, Rusestii Noi. The STO mentions that a voter who recently received an identity card (3 days ago, according to the voter) was not found in the SIAS, but was found in the main list and the PEB president allowed him to vote.
PS 14/4, Drochia. Between 12:44 – 12:52, SIAS Elections did not work. In addition, there are many discrepancies in addresses. Thus, the town of Drochia was confused with the village of Drochia. People who voted all their lives in the town now are referred to the village. People are included in the supplementary list and allowed to vote.

Deficiencies in the voters’ lists (discrepancies between addresses; deceased voters on the lists; signatures affixed by other people) – 26 cases.

PS 01/192 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. A voter did not find himself in the voters’ lists, but he proved with his identity documents that he belongs to the PS and was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 1/56, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A voter included in the main lists of the respective PS, came to the PS however, after the verification of his ID it was found that he changed his address, being already referred to another PS. As a result, he did not vote in the respective PS.
PS 1/30, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. After verifying the identity papers, a few voters were redirected to another PS. After a while, they returned and said they couldn’t find the PS. Then, the PEB president made a call, obtained some details, after which the respective persons repeatedly went to the PS to vote.
PS 1/14, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A voter was not found in the main voters’ l lists. As a result, it was included in the supplementary list.
PS 1/79, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. A voter was not found in the main voters’ lists, and according to SIAS Elections, he was assigned to another PS. Given that based on the identity document, he was to vote in the respective PS, the voter was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 23/04 Nisporeni, Nisporeni. A diseased person was found on the voters’ list. The PEB president said he was aware of the situation, but could not exclude the person from the list, because there was a mistake in the death certificate.
PS 18/65 Floresti, Trifanesti. The voter was not on the main list, but he proved that he can vote. The PEB president made the decision to include him in the supplementary list.
PS 18/4 Floresti, Nicolaevca. The voter did not find himself in the main list, but showed his ID proving that he can vote in the respective PS. He was included in the supplementary list.
PS 1/88 Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. At 08:07, a voter saw in the voters’ list the name / surname of his deceased wife.
PS 1/260 Chisinau, Cricova. A voter was not found in the main voters’ lists and was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 18/5 Floresti. In the accompanying sheet of the ID, the voter’s address is Decebal 4, the voters’ list of this PS starts with Decebal 7, the voter was included in the supplementary list.
PS 2/28, Balti. One of the voters did not find himself in the main voters’ lists, even though he had previously voted here. The PEB president directed him to another polling station, to which the voter had to be assigned.
PS 1/222 Chisinau, Riscani Dist. A voter was not found in the voters’ lists, but after the presentation of the identity card, he was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 1/246 Chisinau, Riscani Dist. A voter was not found in the voters’ lists and was included in the supplementary list.
PS 2/28, Balti. A voter was not found in the main voters’ lists. He voted, being included in the supplementary lists.
PS 1/222 Chisinau, Riscani Dist. A voter informed the PEB members that he had noticed the presence of deceased persons on the voters’ lists.
PS 1/1 Chisinau, Center Dist. A voter noticed on the voters’ list the name / surname of her deceased neighbor, and shot the list where the deceased person is included.
PS 1/151. Chisinau, Center Dist. A voter noticed in the voters’ list an unknown person with a residence visa in her apartment.
PS 01/131 Chisinau, Center Dist. The owner of the private house on Hincesti 35 noticed that there are fake addresses on the lists (Hincesti 35, ap. 5 and ap .8) and persons with residence visas at these addresses.
PS 1/79, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. A voter could not find his name on the main lists, and after checking it with SIAS Elections, it turned out that he had been assigned to another PS. Since his residence visa corresponds to the PS to which he came, the voter was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 01/154. Chisinau, Center Dist. 7 people were not found in the main voters’ lists nor in SIAS Elections system. People claim that they have had their residence here for over 12 years.
PS 1/23, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A voter was not found on the main voters’ lists, although according to SIAS, he was assigned to the respective PS. As a result, the voter was included in the supplementary lists.
PS 1/269 Chisinau, Singera. A voter did not find himself in the main voters’ lists for the parliamentary elections and was only in the electoral lists for the local elections. Later he was allowed to participate in the parliamentary elections.
PS 1/47, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A voter noted that his neighbors are not included on the main list, although they have the same address. The PEB members could not clarify the situation.
PS 9/47 Calarasi, Vălcinet. A voter, Ciumaș Ion, voted in Valcinet although he had his residence visa in Chisinau.

PS 1/56, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. At 09:00, a voter wearing police uniform, photographed the ballot. The PEB president asked him to delete the picture, to which the person replied that the pictures are saved in the cloud and anyway he’ll have them, after which he left the PS.
PS 30/26 Straseni, Micauţi. A voter photographed the ballot. This was observed and the PEB president asked the person to delete the picture from the phone.
PS 1/241 Chisinau, Riscani Dist. A voter photographed the ballot. This fact was observed by the PEB members and observers. An observer made a reprimand and the voter deleted the picture in the presence of PEB members and observers, after which he left.
PS 01/177 Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. A voter photographed the ballot. The PEB president tried to prevent it, but he was ignored.
PS 36/6, ATUG, Comrat. A voter photographed the ballots. The PEB members noticed it and the President canceled both ballots, the voter signed.
PS 2/57, Balti. A voter photographed his ballot. The PEB president asked him to delete the picture from the phone. Before putting the ballot in the ballot box, the voter deleted the pictures from the phone.
PS 2/43, Balti. A voter photographed the ballot. No one intervened with the request to delete the photo.
PS 27/14 Rișcani, Borosenii-Noi. A voter who tried to photograph the ballot was notified by the observers and announced the policeman who had a discussion with him.
PS 27/14 Rișcani, Borosenii-Noi. A voter tried to photograph the ballot but was seen. The policeman was announced of the fact. The voter was allowed to vote.
PS 32/06 Ștefan Voda, Antonesti. The voting booths are located as if they are on the chess table. The secret of voting is not respected.
PS 1/62, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A voter photographed his ballot with the stamp applied, as well as that of his wife. The PEB members reprimanded him and asked to delete the picture, but he refused, arguing that they were taking pictures for their son who’s abroad.
PS 11/28 Cimislia, Ialpujeni. At 12:07, a voter photographed his ballot in the voting booth. The president commented on this, but did not ask him to delete the picture and allowed the voter to put the ballot into the ballot box.

Temporary power disconnection – 3 cases

PS 28/29 Singerei / Coscodeni. The electricity was disconnected for a short period of time, during this period, the SIAS Elections system did not work. The problem has been solved.
PS 26/37 Rezina, Solonceni. Between 08:45 – 09:10, the power was interrupted. The voting process was not suspended. Two voters, registered by the operator, voted, then the operators introduced their data into the system.
PS 9/14 Calarasi, Cabaiesti. There is no electricity in the polling station. SIAS Elections system is powered by a generator. (minimum 30 min)

Non-compliant use of ballot papers – 5 cases

PS 1/110, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. A voter tried to take a ballot out of the PS. The PEB president noticed it and asked to put the second ballot in the ballot box. The voter ignored the request and threw it over the ballot box.
PS 4/29 Anenii Noi, Mereni. A ballot paper was found in the voting booth (the second time already), presumably a purple The president canceled it and put it into the safe.
PS 16/11, Edinet, Cupcini. A ballot was found in the voting booth, the voter announced the president of the PS, he drafted a report and canceled the ballot.
PS 1/28, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. A voter forgot the ballot papers on the desk, without applying the “voted” stamp on them. Given that the PEB members recognized the person, the president of PEB made the decision to send the mobile ballot box to his place.
PS 01/197, Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. Two voters were summoned by the PEB members because they were talking loudly about their voting choices while waiting in the line to the voting booth. They got upset and threw their ballots on the floor and left. Another voter picked up the ballots and put them into the ballot box. After some time, the voters who had left without voting, returned and asked for their ballots wishing to vote. They were not allowed to do it and they left again.

Lack or insufficient number of seals on the ballot box – 1 case

PS 4/25 Anenii Noi, Hirbovaț. The (additional) stationary ballot box has no seal.

Others – 14 cases

Website of the CEC. According to the official webpage of the Central Electoral Commission, by 14:34, a total of 147,400 people voted in the municipality of Chisinau. At the same time, the number of voters per districts of the Chisinau municipality is the following: Buiucani – 17,390, Center – 14,494, Botanica – 26,106, Ciocana – 17,287, Riscani – 23,608 and in the suburbs – 27,970, which constitutes a total of 126,855 voters. Thus, there is a difference of 20,545 voters, who according to the general calculations per municipality would have voted by 14:34. This fact gives rise to reasonable doubts about the actual voter turnout, as well as suggests the fact that the voter participation rate in the municipality of Chisinau is not calculated correctly and / or the data presented on the page of the Central Electoral Commission are not correct.
PS 21/2. Ialoveni. STO mentions that there are two camcorders in the PS. The PEB president said that they are disconnected, but the signals work.
PS 1/109, Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. A voter came to the PS to vote with a “laminated” accompanying sheet. The voter voted, and the stamp ” Local elections 20.10.2019″ was applied on the laminated page.
PS 5/4 Basarabeasca. At 08:20, it was reported that a voter received 4 ballots instead of 3. The 4th ballot was for the city council. The PEB president called the superiors and decided that the ballot would be canceled at the end of the day.
PS 2/50, Balti. At 08:47, the PEB president realized that he had forgot to put the protocol of opening the PS into the ballot box. As a result, the PEB president showed the protocol to all the members and threw it in the ballot box the time when he remembered it.
PS 2/21, Balti. At 09:25, a voter gave the operator only the identity card, without the accompanying sheet. The situation was noticed only after the operator introduced the data into SIAS Elections database. The voter was not allowed to vote. The PEB president is trying to solve the problem.
PS 1/298 Chisinau, Gratiesti. By mistake, a voter signed in the list instead of another person. According to the observer, PEB members did not comment on the incident and tried to hide the fact.
PS 1/119. Chisinau, Center Dist. A man was registered by the SIAS Election operators, not knowing that he did not have the accompanying sheet, the PEB members denied the voter of the right to vote (he did not sign on the voters’ lists but his data were introduced into the SIAS Elections).
PS 01/192, Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. A woman wrote the word “left” in the place assigned for another person’s signature on the voters’ list. The PEB members asked why she did so, to which she replied that the person has left abroad and she does not want anyone to vote for him.
PS 1/47, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. The observer of a competitor intervenes in the work of PEB members. Thus, he gave directions to a PEB member about: reporting to the CEC, the number of voters who voted, reporting by SMS. The PEB members do not pay attention to the observer’s interventions.
PS 1/283, Chisinau, Bacioi. A voter, after receiving 5 ballots, revolted and tore them, arguing that she does not understand what is written on them and wants ballots in Russian (it should be mentioned that the woman spoke Romanian). Later, she was offered ballots in Russian, and the torn ones were canceled.
PS 1/273 Chisinau, Singera. The voting booths are periodically relocated by the PEB members. The PEB president argues that due to the large number of voters, the booths are moved away and it is necessary to relocate them to the right place.
PS 26/37 Rezina, Solonceni. A voter was registered in the SIAS Elections database only on the basis of identity card, without having the accompanying sheet. He was not allowed to vote.
PS 15/4, Dubasari, Cosnita. Periodically, some groups of 4 to 5 voters, after voting, stopped in the PS precinct to follow the voting process and to discuss with the PEB members and other observers. As a result, the room was very noisy and crowded, making the observation process very difficult. The PEB members do not intervene to resolve the situation.

For more details, please contact:

Inga Stegarescu, Communication Officer of the Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019. GSM 069269684, e-mail: [email protected]

Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019: Opening of polling stations

October 20, 2019
Time: 9:30

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019 informs that by 8.30 a.m., the Mission received from observers 56 incident reports, this press release including 26 incidents processed by the central team of the Promo-LEX Mission.

Opening of polling stations

The Promo-LEX OM for the general local elections and the new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019, finds:

Delayed opening of the polling station – 1 case.

PS 1/148 Chisinau, Center Dist. The PS opened at 7:45 due to the late arrival of the PEB president.

Presence of advertising materials, posters, electoral displays within the precinct (100 meters from the polling station) – 9 cases.

PS 18/67, Floresti, Varvareuca. Electoral advertising on the displays has not been removed.
PS 18/5, Floresti. A candidate’s poster is stuck on a building in close proximity to the PS.
PS 1/308, Chisinau, Coloniata. The observer reported that a billboard with 2 candidates is placed within 100 meters of the PS.
PS 1/249 Chisinau, Rascani Dist. There are 3 billboards of the same candidate within 100 m of the PS. They are located at a distance of 15 m, 50 m and 70 m.
PS 1/262 Chisinau, Durlesti. There are 2 billboards displaying 2 candidates at a distance of 40 m from the PS.
PS 1/27, Chisinau, Bacioi. There are 2 billboards displaying 2 candidates at a distance of about 60 m from the PS.
PS 1/289, Chisinau, Budesti. There are electoral posters promoting a candidate located at a distance of 30 meters from PS.
PS 16/1, Edinet. There are panels of a candidate at a distance of 50-60 m from the PS. The PEB president was informed of the fact and a person was delegated to remove the advertising.
PS 1/266 Chisinau, Durlesti. A billboard displaying a candidate is located at a distance of 50 meters from PS.

Ballot boxes have not been sealed in compliance with the legal procedures / broken / deteriorated or complete absence of seals on the ballot boxes – 3 cases.

PS 01/176, Chisinau, Ciocana Dist. At 07:26, there were no seals on the mobile ballot box.
PS 1/10, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. All 3 stationary ballot boxes in the PS were secured with only 2 seals.
PS 1/260, Chisinau, Cricova. There are 3 stationary ballot boxes in the PS all of them being secured with 2 seals.

Interruption of the shooting process at the opening of the PS – 7 cases.

PS 27/50, Riscani, Vasileuti. The camcorder could not be turned on to shoot the preparation of the PS. The operators failed to connect it. The President of the PEB announced that he would draw up a statement of fact.
PS 28/35, Singerei, Cubolta. At the opening of the polling station the equipment for video recording did not work. A statement of fact was drawn up.
PS 7/45 Cahul, Lebedenco. The camcorder was connected on time, but it did not record anything.
PS 7/4, Cahul. Technical malfunction of the camcorder. It works for 2-3 minutes then disconnects.
PS 28/35, Singerei, Cubolta. When preparing for the opening of the PS, the video recording camera did not work. It did not have sufficient storage space.
PS 23/32 Nisporeni, Seliste. The camcorder was on only during the counting of ballot papers before the opening of the PS. However, it was disconnected during the process of sealing the ballot boxes.
PS 34/31 Telenesti, Nucareni. The camcorder has not been working since the preparation of the PS for opening. A statement of fact is to be drawn up.

Unjustifiable presence of unauthorized persons within the PS or within 100 m of the PS – 1 case.

PS 1/111 Chisinau, Buiucani Dist. There are 2 persons in the PS that have no accreditation / registration documents.

Undistributed ballot papers are not kept in a safe place inside the polling station – 1 case.

PS 26/02 Rezina. Ballot papers are not kept in a safe place within the PS. They are stored in a visible place within the reach of any voter.

Deficiencies in the voters’ lists (discrepancies between addresses; deceased voters on the list; signatures affixed by other people) – 3 cases.

PS 1/56, Chisinau, Botanica Dist. According to SIAS Elections System, a voter was assigned to another PS, however he was on the voters’ lists of the PS 1/56.
PS 1/142, Chisinau, Center Dist. At 07:23, SIAS operators introduced into the system the data of a voter, they could not find the voter on the lists and he was denied the right to vote.
PS 1/298 Chisinau, Gratiesti. One voter found a mistake in the voters’ lists. The date of birth on the list did not coincide with the date of birth on the identity card.

Other – 1 case

PS 7/43, Cahul, Iujnoe. The light was disconnected in the period between 06:45 and 07:10. PEB members opened the PS using flash lights. The problem was remedied by the employees of Union

For more details, please contact:
Inga Stegarescu, Communication Officer of the Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the general local and new parliamentary elections of October 20, 2019. GSM 069269684, e-mail: [email protected]

REPORT no. 4 | Observation Mission for the General Local Elections and New Parliamentary Elections of 20 October 2019

REPORT no. 3 | Observation Mission for the General Local Elections and New Parliamentary Elections of 20 October 2019

REPORT no. 2 | Observation Mission for the General Local Elections and New Parliamentary Elections of 20 October 2019

REPORT no. 1 | Observation Mission for the General Local Elections and New Parliamentary Elections of 20 October 2019

Promo-LEX launches its Observation Mission for the General Local Elections and the New Parliamentary Elections of October 20, 2019

On August 15, the Promo-LEX Association launched its Observation Mission (OM) for the new General Local and Parliamentary Elections of October 20, 2019, making public its first Report on the monitoring of the inter-election period, as well as the pre-election period between 18 June – 14 August 2019.

The Promo-LEX election observation methodology has been developed on the basis of international standards in the field and involves both long-term and short-term observation. Thus, in this Observation Mission, Promo-LEX will present 5 intermediate election observation reports and a final report. Additionally, on the Election Day, the Association will issue press releases on the conduct of the elections, results of parallel vote-counting in the municipalities of Chisinau, Balti and Comrat and the evaluation of correctness of electoral processes on the election day based on a representative sample.

The first Promo-LEX OM Report contains the main findings and trends identified in the pre-election/ election period of October 20, 2019 elections.

Although the pre-election period was marked by uncertainties with regard to the date of the general local elections, the principle of stability of electoral law, was basically respected. However, the Promo-LEX OM considers that the approval in the final reading and the possible entry into force of the draft law no. 36 of 29.03.2019 for the modification of some legislative acts at the beginning of the electoral period may create uncertainties and difficulties in organizing and conducting the local elections.

Promo-LEX OM also points out some important issues that remain unsettled in the context of local elections: the lack of a legal mechanism to prevent the “artificial migration of voters”, voting of citizens that do not have a permanent place of residence or domicile, electoral bodies’ compliance with the provisions of Electoral Code in the context of issuing absentee voting certificates to voters, etc.

Furthermore, in legal terms, independent candidates are treated unequally, as compared to those designated by political parties and electoral blocks, as only they are required to collect signatures on subscription lists.

It is a priority for the Promo-LEX Observation Mission to monitor the financing of electoral campaign. In this regard, Promo-LEX will compare the expenses electoral competitors report to the CEC and the lower electoral bodies with the activities and expenses estimated following the civic observation.

Likewise, the OM will also monitor the use of hate speech by participants in the elections. Based on the monitored sources of information, the Association identifies cases of hate speech, the subjects that resort to hate speech in their electoral messages and those affected by this type of discrimination.

We remind the reader that the purpose of the Observation Mission is to inform the public about the conduct of the campaign, as well as to increase the citizens’ confidence in the electoral processes, to contribute to ensuring free and fair elections, carried out in accordance with international standards and national legislation. Promo-LEX remains the only non-governmental organization in the country that carries out an immense monitoring effort, delegating over 700 observers to settlements in the country, as well as to some PSs established abroad.

The full version of Report No. 1 can be accessed here.

The Observation Mission of October 20, 2019 General Local Elections is carried out by the Promo-LEX Association with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Democracy, Transparency and Accountability Program.

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

FINAL REPORT | Observation Mission New Local Elections of 20 May (3 June) 2018