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]

According to the new findings of Promo-LEX’s observers, voting continued calmly between the hours of 11:00 and 17:00. Irregularities, however, continue to be reported. Observers have noted irregularities relating to voter secrecy and to the displaying of electoral material. Some observers have noted further instances of errors on the ballot papers. Furthermore, observers have noted cases in which officials have refused to present ballot papers to voters, and other cases in which the voters’ right to vote has been limited.

The majority of voting stations have functioned normally without any interruptions to the voting process, even if observers have noted some instances in which appeals have been made. Nevertheless, a suspension of around 10 minutes to the voting process was observed at voting station nr.236 in the municipality of Chisinau, where, owing to the fact that the ballot box had not been properly sealed at 07:00, it was necessary to unseal the box completely, to count the slips, and to re-seal the box again.

Promo-LEX observers continue to note cases similar to those reported in its first press release relating to the removal of curtains from voting booths (as noted at voting station nr.117 in Chisinau and voting station nr.3 in Ungheni). Similarly, new cases were reported involving individuals holding offices that are incompatible with their other functions.

As voting began earlier today, Promo-LEX observers noted many cases of continued political campaigning. Observers have continued to report new cases of political campaigning. At one point, at least 10 cases of political campaigning were noted in at least 4 electoral constituencies (Ungheni, Glodeni, Leova, Soroca). At least another ten cases were reported involving the selling of alcoholic drinks in the vicinity of voting stations.

Observers have noted mistakes on the voting slips in at least another two voting stations.
In the interval in question (i.e. 11:00 – 17:00) Promo-LEX observers noted cases in which members of the electoral bodies gave evidence of inadequate training, which led to certain deviations from the norms of the electoral, and instances in which PEB members dealt with similar situations in different ways.
Observers reported one isolated case in which administrative resources were used on the day of the election. The president of the rayon of Dubăsari, relieved from office for the campaign period, used during the course of the day the rayonal service car (registration RM A 300).

Several cases were recorded in which transport to the voting stations had been organised for voters. Such cases were noted in Comrat, in the village of Feşteliţa in the rayon of Stefan Voda, and in the village of Fîrlădeni in the rayon of Căuşeni.

According to the first results of the Quick Count, a process for evaluating the general quality of the vote, the rule that electoral material should not be displayed within 50 metres of the voting station was adhered to at 86% of the voting stations, while at 14% of the voting stations this provision was violated. Regarding the provision that voting booths should be arranged so as to ensure voter privacy, in 96% of cases the voting booths were managed appropriately, while in 4% of cases they were not.

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

The Promo-LEX Association, presenting its final observations on the voting process (covering the period from 17:00 up to the close of voting), notes that the voting process by and large proceded smoothly. Nevertheless, observers continued to report instances of continued electoral campaigning, and problems with the electoral rolls. Further instances of voters attempting to take voting slips outside the voting stations were also recorded, as were cases in which voters photographed their ballot papers in the voting booths.

The majority of voting stations closed at the proper time, 21:00. In at least 4 voting stations, however, voting continued for 30 minutes after this time (at three voting stations in Chisinau, and in Bulboci, Soroca rayon).

There were further instances of electoral officials holding additional offices or functions that conflicted with their responsibilities as actors in the electoral process – for example in the village of Izvoară, Sângerei rayon; in the village of Corjova, Dubăsari rayon; and in Valea Norocului, Bălți rayon.

As voting began earlier today, Promo-LEX observers reported a large number of instances of continued electoral campaigning. The monitoring mission continued to register more cases of continued political campaigning, a further 10 cases being reported for the period covered by this latest report (from 17:00 up to the close of voting).

A further attempt to take ballot papers outside the voting station was recorded at voting station nr.255 in Durlesti, Chisinau, where, following the intervention of the PEB president, the ballot paper was nevertheless introduced into the ballot box. Likewise, a further instance of alcoholic drinks being sold in the vicinity of a voting station was registered at voting station nr.30 in Lingura, Cantemir rayon.

At least 5 more cases were reported in the latter period of voting in which electoral officials demonstrated insufficient knowledge of the correct voting procedures.

A refusal to grant ballot papers to voters, and other instances in which certain voters’ right to vote was limited were reported at voting station nr.15/2 in Cocieri, voting station nr.53 in the village of Moscovei (Cahul rayon), and in the village of Micăuţi, Străşeni rayon.

Further instances of transport to voting stations being organised for voters were noted in the village of Zgordesti, Telenesti rayon; in the village of Zubresti, Straseni rayon; in the village of Chirca, Anenii Noi rayon; in the village of Fîrlădeni, Căuşeni rayon; in the town of Criuleni; in the town of Taraclia; in the village of Izbiste, Criuleni rayon; and in Borogani, Leova rayon.

More seriously, at voting station nr.11 in the town of Comrat, PEB members were observed copying the details of voters who had not presented themselves at the voting station. These details were subsequently passed on to unknown persons outside the premises of the voting station. Promo-LEX observers continued to register cases in which the electoral rolls had been drawn up with errors (at least 7 cases).

In the city of Balti, at voting station nr.39, a voter was seen taking photographs in the voting booth. The section head of the voting station addressed the voter, and the latter erased the photos.

Observers reported conflict situations at 2 voting stations: voting station nr. 26/37 in Soloncei, Rezina rayon, and at voting station nr.9 in Başcalia, Basarabeasca rayon.

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

Promo-LEX Association launches its second election monitoring report which covers the period April 18 to May 5.

During the reported period, the monitoring effort found that the local public administration has generally complied with the election legislation provisions on campaign display, even though observers have reported some exceptions in this sense. In this regards, the isolated cases of position abuse by central public administration officials in campaign activities can be included.

Observers noted and welcome the neutrality of election bodies’ members and a conscious performance of their functional tasks. Observers have reported cases of irregular interpretations and shallow knowledge of the legal norms concerning candidates’ registration, presenting by candidates of the financial reports, certification of voting, inclusion or exclusion of voters from electoral rolls, access to electoral rolls and changing their content. The technical and logistical assistance of PEBs, the frequent changes in the composition of election bodies and respecting the activity schedule remain alarming.

Observers have noted a dynamic election campaign, marked in particular by the organized launch of the political parties and independent candidates to elective office. Moreover, observers noted that candidates used diverse methods of campaigning, as well as the obvious decrease in the number of electoral posters placed in unauthorized places. On the other hand, Promo-LEX observers, remain very concerned of the isolated cases of violence and intimidation (at least 8 cases reported), black PR methods (at least 7 cases reported), and the considerable number of cases when using the administrative resources (at least 37 cases reported) and gifts in the electoral context (at least 86 cases reported from all districts). The Promo-LEX monitoring effort remains worried over candidates opacity in declaring electoral funds and other material support used in campaign.

In context, Promo-LEX calls on candidates to reflect in financial reports the obvious expenses related to electoral concerts (at least 91 cases reported), transport and editing campaign material (reports of at least 15 competitors in at least 18 districts not complying with the requirements). At the same time, observers mention the extremely small number of complaints submitted by candidates and voters, compared to the deficiencies noted by the observers, result of notifications received from these.

The Promo-LEX monitoring effort notes the continued and active involvement of local and regional mass-media in the presentation of information on candidates and in conducting the electoral debates. Nevertheless, some legal shortcomings have been noted related to the authentication of the electoral advertising authors in accordance with legal provisions.

Promo-LEX monitoring effort reminds that it is not an investigative body and is not intended to prove the observed findings. The more than 2,000 standardized reports of the observers served as the only source for drafting the public reports of the monitoring effort.

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

Promo-LEX Association launches its first election monitoring report of the summer 2011 election campaign. The report covers the period April 18 to May 5 and describes the pre-election context, the main developments in the campaign, presents findings about the performance of the local government, election authorities, electoral competitors and the local media and makes a number of recommendations.

According to observers from Promo-LEX the pre-election period was marked by uncertainty about the date of the general local elections. Electoral Code changes were made outside the period prescribed for that purpose by the Venice Commission. The election date was within the limits set by the Electoral Code, without affecting the continuity of local government activity.

Promo-LEX Observers have noted that local authorities tend to comply with the deadlines set by the electoral law and take measures to create equal conditions for all candidates. Local authorities, with some exceptions, provide sufficient logistical support to the electoral authorities.

The election bodies were set up, with some exceptions, within the deadlines established by law and were fair towards electoral competitors. Shortcomings were found in the establishment of polling stations, displaying of information on the premises of polling stations. Until May 3, 2011, systematic information of the official website of the Central Election Commission had not been placed on the premises of polling stations and neither were their contact details.

Observers were informed on at least two cases of an inability to exercise the right to be elected as a local representative in the local administrative-territorial region of Bender and the Transnistrian region, for the lack of electoral authorities.

In most municipalities the standardized approach does not work on the preparation, administration, updating and verification of voter lists. After verifying voter lists were accessible to observers, it was found that there were not any hinderances.

Observers reported isolated cases of extensive interpretation of election law. This led to campaigning before the official registration by candidates before the electoral authorities, including the provision of electoral gifts. Of particular concern was the application of physical and mental violence against opponents of opinion / policy and use of administrative resources.

According to I. Manole, head of the monitoring effort “these violent incidents show the low level of political culture and lack of democratic traditions in Moldovan society, recommending the initiation of awareness raising and civic education campaigns to promote a spirit of tolerance and civilized behavior, so that violence should be avoided.”

Observers have noticed the active involvement of national, local and regional media in election coverage and in particular covering the performance and behavior of the election authorities and competitors. At the moment, some legal shortcomings were noticed, relating in particular to identify the authors of election advertising in accordance with legal norms.

Recommendations of Promo-LEX observers are made in good faith and to improve the electoral process. These are based on findings and indicate in particular the direction of intervention required, without dictating solutions.

The project “Monitoring the local elections of 5 June 2011” received technical and financial assistance from the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI).The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of donors.

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