The Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the Presidential Elections finds in its Report No 5 an increased number of derogatory materials about the candidates and more intense black PR, involvement of religious cults in the election campaign and subtle masking of donors. The report covers the monitoring period between 28 October and 10 November 2016.

During the electoral period between the two rounds of election, Promo-LEX EOM found the involvement of the clergy of the Metropolitan Church of Chisinau and the Entire Moldova in the electoral campaign, by expressing publicly the political preferences in the favor of the election candidate Igor Dodon. Promo-LEX regards this as a violation of Article 31(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, which establishes the secular nature of the State and separation of religious cults from the State, as well as of Article 15(2) of the Law on Freedom of Consciousness, Thought and Religion, which obliges the religious cults and their component parts to refrain from expressing or manifesting publicly their political preferences or favoring a political party or social-political organisation.

Promo-LEX Observation Mission draws attention on some legal provisions, which leave room for interpretation, with regards to the calculation of the percentage value of the votes expressed in support of election candidates. Thus, during the first round of the presidential elections, CEC calculated the percentage results of the candidates on the basis of the total number of votes expressed, whereas Article 109(1) and Article 110(1) of the Election Code stipulate that they should be calculated on the basis of the votes of voters who participated in the elections, including the invalidated ballot papers. In the opinion of Promo-LEX, CEC calculated incorrectly the percentage value of votes, which should be smaller for all candidates.

Thus, according to the information available on the official website of CEC, candidate Igor Dodon accumulated 47.98% of votes. If the percentage value were calculated on the basis of the total number of expressed voted, and not on the basis of validated votes, then Igor Dodon would have obtained 47.24%. There is a difference of 0.74%, which is significant. The second candidate, who accumulated a significant number of votes, is Maia Sandu – 38.71%. Respectively, if the total number of accumulated voted were reported to the total number of expressed votes, Maia Sandu would have obtained 38.12% of votes, which is by 0.59% less than the percentage announced officially by CEC.

The observers informed that the staff of Orhei Mayor’s Office and its subordinated enterprises and institutions were forced, by Indication No 490 of Mayor Ilan Sor, to submit their ID card and its loose leaf, military card and diploma/qualification certificate in order to update the personal files of the staff.  In connection with the public recommendation to boycott the presidential elections, made previously by candidate Inna Popenco, Promo-LEX regards this request as a method to intimidate the staff.

Promo-LEX identified 3 cases of electoral officials’ involvement in electioneering activities in favor of candidates as follows: Igor Dodon – 1 case, Maia Sandu – 2 cases. Though the number of such incidents is not high, their very existence is alarming. At the same time, according to the information provided by Promo-LEX observers, during the monitoring period, there were registered two cases of offering electoral presents in favor of candidate Igor Dodon.

In addition, Promo-LEX EOM found, with concern, the active use of printed material with derogatory content against the candidates during the election campaign for the second round of the elections. Promo-LEX observers identified 4 types of derogatory materials against Maia Sandu and one derogatory material against Igor Dodon.

On the basis of the submitted financial statements, made public by CEC, Promo-LEX EOM found that two election candidates (Dumitru Ciubasenco and Maia Sandu) have recorded donations from the party that appointed them, without revealing the origin of the primary donors, who made the transfer on the party’s account. Promo-LEX EOM reiterates during this election campaign, as well, that this practice is a subtle method intended to conceal the donors and avoid financial transparency.

Promo-LEX EOM finds that 94% of the total expenses incurred by the election candidates in the first election round are for advertising. Other expenses relate to: use of transportation vehicles – 2%, expenses for delegation or secondment of people (volunteers/observers) – 2%, organizing meetings and events – 1%, additional maintenance costs – 0.3%, communications – 0.3%, consultation expenses – 0.2%,  and other expenses – 0.1%.

Promo-LEX Observation Mission consists of 42 long-term observers who will monitor the electoral process in all constituencies of the Republic of Moldova during 31 August – 30 November 2016. On the election day, Promo-LEX will delegate a short-term observer in each polling station of the country. Promo-LEX EOM will also perform the Parallel Vote Tabulation in all polling stations. The Mission will monitor the electoral process in about 47 PS open abroad. The observers involved in the monitoring process sign the Code of Conduct of the Promo-LEX Independent National Observer, assuming the commitment to act efficiently, in good faith and in a non-partisan manner. The activity of all observers is coordinated by a central team consisting of 37 persons.

The activity carried out by Promo-LEX EOM and the “Come to Vote” campaign is currently funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the British Embassy in Chisinau, the National Endowment for Democracy and the Council of Europe. The opinions presented in the public reports of Promo-LEX belong to authors and do not necessarily reflect the donors’ view.

For more details, contact: Tatiana Pascovschi, Communication Officer of Promo-Lex Election Observation Mission: GSM 060804022, e-mail: [email protected]

For the second round of Presidential Elections in the Republic of Moldova on November 13th 2016, the public channel Moldova 1 TV, in partnership with the Promo-LEX Association, has organized a televised electoral debate, in accordance with the declaration submitted by Moldova 1 TV to the Central Electoral Commission and the Audiovisual Coordination Council. The debate for the second round of elections will be held on Thursday, November 10th 2016, from 7:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

The debate includes the participation of a studio audience and will be broadcast live from Moldova 1 starting at 7:45 p.m. and online at www.trm.md and on the platform www.privesc.eu. In order to involve the studio audience in the debates, the Promo-LEX Association and Moldova 1 TV will carry out apolitical opinion polls using an interactive voting system.

In order to assure the equitable organization of the debate, the candidates, or persons designated by them, are expected to participate in a drawing of lots at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 9th at Moldova 1 TV in order to determine the order of the candidates’ opening speeches, the order of messages of support for each candidate by well-known figures, and where candidates’ supporters will sit in the studio. In addition, the candidates or persons designated by them will be given invitations for their supporters to participate in the debate, and the rules and structure of the debate will be explained to them. The drawing of lots will be broadcast live at www.privesc.eu.

The electoral debate is part of the Civic and Electoral Education Campaign “Ieși la Vot!” (“Go to Vote!”). The goal of the campaign is to contribute to the apolitical mobilization of the voters and the promotion of informed and aware voting among those citizens of the Republic of Moldova who have the right to vote.

The “Ieși la Vot” campaign is part of the Promo-LEX Association’s Program for Democracy, Transparency and Responsibility, supported by the American people through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The opinions expressed in advertisements belong to their authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the U.S. Government.

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission of the Presidential Election of 30 October 2016 has finished processing the election results received via SMS message from its network of 1979 observers across the country and 44 observers sent to polling stations abroad. The final results from the Parallel Vote Tabulation will be submitted after the manual verification of the reports received from Promo-LEX observers.

In accordance with information gathered on election day, Promo-LEX can state that the highest voter turnout was recorded between 12.00 and 1.00 pm, although the graph of voter turnout shows that the voting process was continuous and uninterrupted.

Preliminary results from the Parallel Vote Tabulation carried out by Promo-LEX show the following:

Thus, Promo-LEX Mission states that citizens who have the right to vote will be expected once again at the pooling stations on 13 November, in order to elect the President of the Republic of Moldova in the second round.

Parallel Vote Tabulation is a method used to check the election results, which consists in processing qualitative and quantitative information of 100% of the minutes produced by the Electoral Offices of the Polling Stations (EOPS), in the context of monitoring elections at the national level during the election day (e-day) and the next period until the entire information from minutes is processed.

Promo-LEX Observation Mission consists of 42 long-term observers who monitor the electoral process in all constituencies of the Republic of Moldova during 31 August – 30 November 2016. On the election day, Promo-LEX delegated a short-term observer in each polling station of the country. Promo-LEX EOM will also perform the Parallel Vote Tabulation in all polling stations. The Mission monitors the electoral process in 47 polling stations open abroad. The observers involved in the monitoring process signed the Code of Conduct of the Promo-LEX Independent National Observer, assuming the commitment to act efficiently, in good faith and in a non-partisan manner. The activity of all observers is coordinated by a central team consisting of 37 persons.

The activity carried out by Promo-LEX EOM and the “Come to Vote” campaign is currently funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the British Embassy in Chisinau, the National Endowment for Democracy and the Council of Europe. The opinions presented in the public reports of Promo-LEX belong to authors and do not necessarily reflect the donors’ view.

For more details, please contact: Tatiana Pascovschi, Communication Officer of Promo-Lex Election Observation Mission: GSM 060804022, e-mail: [email protected]

Time: 7.30 pm

Promo-LEX observers continue to report a significant number of cases when the free observation of elections was limited, double number of cases when voters voted without having their loose leaf of the ID card checked by EOPS members, and the perpetuation of the cases of violence or intimidation of voters or other persons in the polling stations.

At the same time, 226 voters voted without having their ID documents checked by the operators of SAIS “Elections”, 127 cases when people voted without a seal applied in the loose leaf of the ID cards, other 15 cases when people voted without ID documents or on the basis of inappropriate documents.

As of 7.30 pm, Promo-LEX found the following types of irregularities during the voting process:

Restricted access or preventing the free observation process at the polling station – 26 cases. Here are several examples:

• PS 49, Balti, the Promo-LEX observer was not allow to move freely within the PS on grounds that this disturbs the work of EOPS members. In addition, the EOPS chair and secretary refused to offer the information requested by the observer in order to fill in the reporting form
• PS 143, Chisinau. The EOPS chair limits the free movement of observers.

Presence of advertising materials, electoral billboards and posters in the vicinity of the polling station (within the area of 100 m from the PS) – 6 cases

• PS 27, Causeni. The mayor was twice in the PS.
• Booklets of election candidates were distributed in the vicinity of PS 38, Cahul.
• PS 54, 82, Chisinau, there were also electoral posters in the vicinity of PS.
• PS 37 Ialoveni. The electoral posters of 2 election candidates are displaced at a distance of about 70 m from the PS.
• In PS 2, Floresti. The electoral and campaigning messages for an election candidate were not removed in the vicinity of the polling station.

The ballot boxes with seal issues – 3 cases.

• PS 163, Chisinau. The seal on the mobile ballot box was broken, hence the box was taken out with the broken seal.
• PS 9, Ungheni. 2 seals are missing on the fixed ballot box.
• PS 3, Soldandesti. One seal of the fixed ballot box is broken.

Unjustified presence of unauthorized persons inside or within 50 m from the polling station – 11 cases. Here are several examples:

• PS 16, Balti. The police officer is inside the PS.
• PS 24, 33, 43, Causeni. The presence of unauthorised persons in PS was found, who did not present any ID document, but stayed for a little while within the station.

Rumors, attempts or even situations of material rewards or money offered to voters within the perimeter and/or near the polling station to influence them – 8 cases. Here are several examples:

• PS 30, ATUG. A omnibus is parked at a distance of about 150 m from the PS, where voters are served wine.
• PS 50, Ialoveni. Some voters leaving the PS went directly to the village store (100 m), accompanied by some suspicious persons.

Electioneering or black PR within the perimeter and/or near the polling station to influence the voters – 13 cases.

• PS 14, Edinet. There is a group of 5 people near the PS (the yard of the secondary school where the PS is located), who encourage voters to vote for an election candidate.
• PS 6, Ocnita. There are 2 people near the PS, who encourage voters to vote for an election candidate.
• PS 318, Moscow, Russia. Electioneering in favor of an election candidate in the vicinity of the polling station.
• PS 359, Mestre, Italy.
• PS 1, Soldandesti. A person, while in the voting booth, shouted aloud the name of Renato Uatii.
• PS 11, 74, Ungheni. Electioneering in favor of an election candidate.
• PS 69, Orhei. Electioneering, by an observer, in favour of an election candidate.
• PS 35, 37, 25, 15, Calarasi. Electioneering in favor of an election candidate.
• PS 7, Dubasari. A voter showed to another voter his ballot paper with “Voted” seal, encouraging the other voter to vote for the same candidate.

Organized transportation of voters – 8 case.

• PS 24, Causeni. A car was found to bring 4-5 times voters to the PS.
• PS 24, 25, Stefan Voda. Representatives of an election candidate transport the supporting voters to the PS.
• PS 42, Rezina. A bus was found to transport 23 people to the PS.
• PS 69 Step-Soci, Orhei. 2 omnibuses, organised by the mayor of the settlement, to transport voters to the PS.
• PS 2, Dubasari. Representatives of a candidate were found to transport by a car 4 times voters to the PS.
• PS 10, Dubasari. The transportation of voters by a bus was recorded.
• PS 394, Brașov, Romania. Three taxi cubs and a private car transported about 15 people.

Acts of violence or bullying against voters or other persons – 13 cases. Here are several examples:

• PS 147, Chisinau. A voter was aggressive with EOPS members, who refused to release the ballot paper due to the failure of the former to present the loose leaf of the ID card.
• PS 109, Chisinau. A voter was aggressive with EOPS members after finding that his children, domiciled in USA, were included in the main lists.
• PS 17, Floresti. A fight between a voter and a EOPS member was recorded. The latter informed CEC about being bullied.
• PS 27 Hancesti. A voter showed up, who wanted to vote one more time. He was asked to leave, but he conditioned his leaving on receiving money or alcohol. The sector police officer intervened and solved the conflict.
• PS 120, Chisinau. A voter was aggressive with EOPS members after finding his children, who have been living for 10 years abroad, included in the lists of voters.
• PS 28, Stefan Voda. A voter was aggressive with EOPS members for not being allowed to vote without applying the seal in the loose leaf of the ID card.

Deficient operation of SAIS “Elections” – 3 cases.

• PS 390 București, Romania. SAIS “Elections” showed that a voter had already voted in Moldova, and was allowed to vote though he did not have the seal applied in the passport.
• PS 362 Modena, Italy. SAIS “Elections” showed that the voter had already voted in Moldova. He was however allowed to vote.
• PS 390 București, Romania. SAIS “Elections” did not operate for 6 minutes, 5 people were recorded on paper.

Problematic situations with the lists of voters – 12 cases.

• PS 9, Basarabeasca. Though the ID card data allowed a voter to vote in this section, he could not vote because SAIS “Elections” showed that he had voted in Chisinau.
• PS 3, 8, 9 ATUG. Confusions between “street” and “by-street” in the lists of voters.
• PS 2, ATUG. Deceased persons on the voter lists.
• PS 12, Balti. The voters were revolted to see deceased persons included on their own addresses.
• PS 400, 401. In Washington D.C. and New York City the lists got confused.
• PS 24, 25, Stefan Voda. The lists contain errors in the addresses, voters are included in lists with errors, in other PS than those they should belong to according to their address.
• PS 116, Chisinau. The voters found foreigners recorded on their address. A complaint was filed.
• PS 52, Chisinau. Errors are found on the voter lists. Persons that are repeated, with the same addresses. A total of 12 persons are recorded with the same address.

Taking a picture of the ballot papers – 8 cases.

• PS 25, Cimislia. 2 persons took a picture of their ballot papers.
• PS 343, Athens, Greece. A voter made a picture of his ballot paper with his telephone in the voting booth. The EOPS members were informed about this.
• PS 351, Lyon, France. A EOPS member found a voter taking a picture of his ballot paper in the voting booth.
• PS 5, Chisinau. A voter voted, took a picture and placed it subsequently on social networks.
• PS 12, Balti. 2 persons took a picture of their ballot. The police was called and they wrote explanations. The ballot papers were thrown into the bin.
• PS 6, Ocnita. The voter took a picture of the ballot paper, after which he launched the rumour among the other voters that if they take a picture of their ballot paper and show it, they will get a reward.
• PS 257, Chisinau. A voter made a picture of his ballot paper.
• PS 6, Cahul. A voter made a picture of his ballot paper after applying the “Voted” seal, while still in the ballot paper. At that moment there were journalists from a TV station in the polling station, who noticed the incident and asked for an interview with the voter.

Other cases:

• PS 47, Calarasi. A tree fell over the electric lines, but the voting process was not interrupted. The problem was remedied.
• PS 47 Varatic, Ialoveni. The electricity was out for about one hour.
• PS 63, Falesti. A voter voted instead of his son.

Promo-LEX Observation Mission consists of 42 long-term observers who monitor the electoral process in all constituencies of the Republic of Moldova during 31 August – 30 November 2016. On the election day, Promo-LEX delegated a short-term observer in each polling station of the country. Promo-LEX EOM will also perform the Parallel Vote Tabulation in all polling stations. The Mission monitors the electoral process in 47 polling stations open abroad. The observers involved in the monitoring process signed the Code of Conduct of the Promo-LEX Independent National Observer, assuming the commitment to act efficiently, in good faith and in a non-partisan manner. The activity of all observers is coordinated by a central team consisting of 37 persons.

The activity carried out by Promo-LEX EOM and the “Come to Vote” campaign is currently funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the British Embassy in Chisinau, the National Endowment for Democracy and the Council of Europe. The opinions presented in the public reports of Promo-LEX belong to authors and do not necessarily reflect the donors’ view.

For more details, contact: Tatiana Pascovschi, Communication Officer of Promo-Lex Election Observation Mission: GSM 060804022, e-mail: [email protected]

Time: 2:30 p.m.

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission of the presidential elections finds that until 12:30 p.m. there were several cases of restricted access or preventing the free observation process at the polling stations for the observers and the tearing, damage or absence of seals on the ballot boxes.

Electoral posters continue to be displayed in the vicinity of the polling stations. There are also cases of black PR within the perimeter of the polling stations, violence and voters’ intimidation, and various cases of organized transportation of voters.

The information provided by Promo-LEX observers shows that:

• ballot papers are kept in an unsafe place in 15 polling stations,
• 83 voters voted without having the ID documents checked by SAIS “Elections” operators,
• 21 voters voted without having the loose leaf of their ID card checked by EOPS members,
• 107 voters voted without having the “Voted” stamp applied in the loose leaf of their ID card,
• 15 voters voted without identity documents or with inappropriate documents.

Observers also inform about the presence of stalls or stores selling and/or serving alcoholic beverages within the perimeter of 114 polling stations. At the same time, there were reported 18 cases of electioneering, 19 cases of rumors, attempts or even situations of material or cash rewards and 7 cases of intentional release of more than 1 ballot paper for a voter or introduction of more than 1 ballot paper into the ballot box by a single voter.

Restricted access or preventing the free observation process at the polling station – 12 cases. Here are some examples:

• PS 39, ATUG, the EOPS chair confiscated for a short period the observers’ mobile phones
• PS 1, Balti, the EOPS chair asked the observer for one additional mandate to allow his presence in the polling station, then he changed his mind and allowed the observation
• PS 12, Cahul, the presence of Promo-LEX observer was restricted in the PS adjoining area
• PS 59, Chisinau, the EOPS chair did not allow the access of Promo-LEX observes in the PS
• PS 70 Chisinau, the observers were not allowed to move freely within the PS
• PS 27, Chisinau, the voters assault the Promo-LEX observer
• PS 154, Chisinau, the observers were not allowed to monitor if the lists of voters are kept in a safe place

Presence of advertising materials, electoral billboards and posters in the vicinity of the polling station (within the area of 100 m from the PS) – 15 cases. Here are some examples:

• In the vicinity of PS 41, Balti, there is a 3×6 billboard of an election candidate. The voters were revolted and asked the observers from behalf of that candidate to remove the poster
• Electoral advertising materials are present within the area of PS 17, 54, 59, 128, 152, 175, 198, 278, 288 (Chisinau), PS 59 (Ungheni), PS 55 (Falesti), PS 37, 49 (Ialoveni), PS 6 (Ocnita).

Ballot boxes were not sealed according to the legal procedures – cases. Here are some examples:

• PS 154, Chisinau, the mobile ballot box was initially incorrectly sealed and subsequently resealed
• PS 325, Dublin, Ireland only one stationary ballot box was sealed when opening the PS
• PS 9, 10, Ungheni, four seals were missing
• PS 24, Soldandesti, the polling station seal was damaged
• PS 32, Glodeni, the seal damaged and then changed
• PS 5, Cimislia, the ballot boxes are not sealed and are located in unsafe places
• PS 24, Soldandesti, the seals on the ballot box were teared.

Unjustified presence of unauthorized persons inside or within 50 m from the polling station – 16 cases. Here are some examples:

• PS 33, Leova, the mayor of the settlement parked his car within the area of 10 m from the PS and discusses with the locals
• PS 30, 52, 57, 71, 152, 196, 223, 266, 248, 247, 300, Chisinau.
• PS 26, Causeni
• PS 13, Calarasi
• PS 396, Constanta, Romania
• PS 2, Edinet, 4 persons were present in the PS 20 minutes without explaining their reason
• PS 16, Balti, the police officer is inside the PS.

Ballot papers that were not distributed to EOPS members are not kept in a safe place at the polling station – 15 cases. Here are some examples:

PS 72, 131, 300, Chisinau, the observers noted that ballot papers are not kept in a safe place and at PS 72, Chisinau, they are kept under the table (in the table).

Rumors, attempts or even situations of material rewards or money offered to voters within the perimeter and/or near the polling station to influence them – 19 cases. Here are some examples:

• PS 1, Balti, two men came and asked who is the observer for a candidate. The lady observer went out with them, after which she returned holding something in her hands
• PS 4, Ialoveni, a person (previously accused of hooliganism) wanted to get a photo of the ballot. He was not allowed and when he went outside the PS, somebody told him that he will not be rewarded for his failure to get the photo
• PS 269, Chisinau, a person, after voting in the voting booth, made a call and reported for which candidate she voter for.

Electioneering or black PR within the perimeter and/or near the polling station to influence the voters – 18 cases. Here are some examples:

• PS 60, Chisinau, the observer of an election candidate distributed electoral materials and calendars to citizens
• PS 69, Ungheni, 1 voter made negative PR against an election candidate
• PS 30, 41, Calarasi, the observer of an election candidate electioneered near the PS.

Organized transportation of voters – 10 cases. Here are some examples:

• PS 22, Soldandesti, about 8 persons were transported with a bus and got out at 50 meters from the PS
• PS 22, 23, 24, Causeni, the representative of an election candidate transported voters. Other 3 such cases were recorded.
• PS 138, Chisinau, a bus was transporting the voters to the PS
• PS 270, Chisinau, a was seen 3 times transporting the voters to the PS
• PS 66, Orhei, a bus transported 20 voters from Burcuta to vote in Seliste
• PS 42, Bender, a bus transported 15 voters
• PS 42, Rezina, a bus transported 10 voters
• PS 395, Cluj, Romania.

Acts of violence or bullying against voters or other persons – 20 cases

• PS 34, Balti, a voter entered the polling station and intimidated the EOPS members. The police intervened to get the person outside the PS
• PS 24, Chisinau, a voter was aggressive with EOPS members because his daughter was included in the main lists of voters, although she was abroad
• PS 84, Chisinau, a voter was aggressive with another voter after he discovered that foreigners are registered at his address
• PS 248, Chisinau, the EOPS chair is intimidated by the supporters of an election candidate
• PS 14, Orhei, the elderly continue to be intimidated (they are blackmailed to lose their compensations). The intimidation occurs at more than 100 m from the PS
• PS 72, Chisinau, the observers of an election candidate intimidate the voters, they look in the voters’ ballots and touch the ballot box.

Deficient operation of SAIS “Elections” – 6 cases

• PS 45, Balti, two people came to vote, but according to the SAIS “Elections”, they had already voted. These voters were revolted, because they did not have the seal “presidential elections 30 October 2016”. The police was called at the PS, who conducted a number of procedures and the respective persons left without voting.
• PS 57, Ungheni, there was not Internet connection for 5 minutes
• PS 46, Balti, the Internet connection was out between 7.40 a.m. and 8.08 a.m.
• PS 8, Glodeni, SAIS “Elections” was blocked between 8.15 a.m. and 8.51 a.m.

Problematic situations with the lists of voters – 5 cases

• PS 50, ATUG (Congaz) – 5 voters with identity documents, domiciled within the area of the respective PS, are found on the lists of PS 3 ATUG (Comrat)
• PS 84, 77 Chisinau, strangers were found recorded in the lists of voters, on the addresses of some voters or their neighbours’.
• PS 6, 27, ATUG, deceased persons are included in the lists of voters.

Taking a Picture of the Ballot Papers – 4 cases

• PS 26, Ungheni, a voter made a picture of his ballot paper. After the chair called the police, the picture was deleted, and the ballot paper was invalidated
• PS 7, Ungheni town
• PS 317, Moscow, Russia, 2 voters made a picture of their ballot papers
• PS 347, Paris, France, 2 voters made a picture of their ballot papers.

Other violations

• PS 149, 148, Chisinau, a voter placed the ballot paper from PS 149 in the fixed ballot box of PS 148
• PS 320, Sank Petersburg, Russia, one EOPS member left the PS with a ballot paper
• PS 15, Ungheni, one person voted with an expired ID card.

At the same time, we find that 384 complaints were filed with EOPS and 7 cases of temporary halt or unjustified suspension were recorded until 12.30 pm.

At 7:30 p.m., Promo-LEX will come with new information about the quality of the voting process and adjusted statistical data.

Promo-LEX Observation Mission consists of 42 long-term observers who monitor the electoral process in all constituencies of the Republic of Moldova during 31 August – 30 November 2016. On the election day, Promo-LEX delegated a short-term observer in each polling station of the country. Promo-LEX EOM will also perform the Parallel Vote Tabulation in all polling stations. The Mission monitors the electoral process in 47 polling stations open abroad. The observers involved in the monitoring process signed the Code of Conduct of the Promo-LEX Independent National Observer, assuming the commitment to act efficiently, in good faith and in a non-partisan manner. The activity of all observers is coordinated by a central team consisting of 37 persons.

The activity carried out by Promo-LEX EOM and the “Come to Vote” campaign is currently funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the British Embassy in Chisinau, the National Endowment for Democracy and the Council of Europe. The opinions presented in the public reports of Promo-LEX belong to authors and do not necessarily reflect the donors’ view.

For more details, please contact: Tatiana Pascovschi, Communication Officer of Promo-Lex Election Observation Mission: GSM 060804022, e-mail: [email protected]

Time: 9.30 am

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission of the presidential elections finds that at the opening of the polling stations in the country, electoral posters were present in the vicinity of polling stations. In addition, observers inform about the deficient operation of SAIS “Elections”.

Restricted access or preventing the free observation process at the polling station – 5 cases

• In PS 6, Straseni, entry into the polling station was denied until 7.00 am.
• In PS 9, Orhei, the elections are boycotted. The elderly are blackmailed to lose their discount cards if they vote. Some people are counting how many people are entering the polling station
• In PS 1, Anenii Noi, the EOPS chair did not allow Promo-LEX observer to enter the PS
• In PS 259, Chisinau, the observers of PP PAS were not allowed to enter the polling station
• In PS 19, Cirnateni, the Promo-LEX observer was assaulted by EOPS chair, who took his ID card to make a copy

Presence of advertising materials, electoral billboards and posters in the vicinity of the polling station (within the area of 100 m from the PS) – 27 cases

Such cases were reported in PS 15, 12 Balti, SV 34, Cahul, PS 39, 40 Calarasi, PS 8, 16, Ialoveni, PS 7, Nisporeni, PS 37 Cimislia, PS 9, Orhei, PS 7, Ungheni, PS 3, Edinet,  PS 3, Basarabeasca, PS 34, Cahul,  PS 4 Glodeni, PS 59, Ungheni, PS 8, Ialoveni, PS 6, Ungheni, PS 4 Gagauzia ATU, PS 128, 152, 198, 278, 288  Chisinau, PS 394, Brasov.

Ballot boxes were not sealed according to the legal procedures – 8 cases

PS 40, Calarasi, PS 9, Orhei, PS 12, Balti,  PS 32, Glodeni, PS 278, 198 Chisinau, PS 50, Florești, PS 32, Glodeni

Unjustified presence of unauthorized persons inside or within 50 m from the polling station – 1 case

PS 17, Soldandesti

Ballot papers that are not distributed to EOPS members are not kept in a safe place at the polling station – 2 cases

PS 40, Calarasi, PS 27, Ialoveni

Electioneering or black PR within the perimeter and/or near the polling station to influence the voters – 1 case

PS 69, Ungheni, 1 voter – made negative PR for a candidate within the polling station

Organized transportation of voters – 1 case

PS 208, Chisinau

Deficient operation of SAIS “Elections” – 13 cases

PS 4, 16, 17, 26, 30, 36, 42 Cimislia, PS 3, 8, 1 Donduseni, PS 7, Basarabeasca, PS 8, 20, 33 Criuleni

Other incidents:

In PS 114 Chisinau, a ballot paper was released with the seal “withdrawn” applied for candidate Mihai Ghipu, and not for Marian Lupu

In PS 114, Chisinau, a voter found two foreign persons recorded on his personal address on the lists of voters

PS 411, Odessa, the polling station was opened at 7:40 am, on grounds that an insufficient number of OPS members were present at 7:00 am.  No voter came to vote before 7:40 am, when the polling station was opened.

At 2.30 pm, Promo-LEX will come with new information about the quality of the voting process and statistical data at the national level.

Promo-LEX Observation Mission consists of 42 long-term observers who monitor the electoral process in all constituencies of the Republic of Moldova during 31 August – 30 November 2016. On the election day, Promo-LEX delegated a short-term observer in each polling station of the country. Promo-LEX EOM will also perform the Parallel Vote Tabulation in all polling stations. The Mission monitors the electoral process in 47 polling stations open abroad. The observers involved in the monitoring process signed the Code of Conduct of the Promo-LEX Independent National Observer, assuming the commitment to act efficiently, in good faith and in a non-partisan manner. The activity of all observers is coordinated by a central team consisting of 37 persons.

The activity carried out by Promo-LEX EOM and the “Come to Vote” campaign is currently funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the British Embassy in Chisinau, the National Endowment for Democracy and the Council of Europe. The opinions presented in the public reports of Promo-LEX belong to authors and do not necessarily reflect the donors’ view.

For more details, please contact: Tatiana Pascovschi, Communication Officer of Promo-Lex Election Observation Mission: GSM 060804022, e-mail: [email protected]

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission of the Elections of 30 October 2016 states in Report No 4 that it found insufficiently prepared polling stations in Moldova, gaps in the voter registry, the use of administrative resources for electoral purposes, cases that may be regarded as the offering of electoral gifts, and expenses not reflected in the financial statements of election candidates. The report covers the monitoring period between 5 October and 27 October 2016.

Promo-LEX states in the monitoring report that Moldova’s laws create unfair conditions for candidates to the position of President of the Republic of Moldova and believes that it is necessary to adjust the legal framework so that all election candidates have a level playing field, because the late validation of certain election candidates may put some parties and election candidates at a disadvantage during the campaign.

Promo-LEX observers found at least 7 cases that may be regarded as the offering of electoral gifts: Igor Dodon (PPPSRM) – 3 cases; Inna Popenco (PPMSPR) – 2; Dumitru Ciubașenco (PPPN) – 1; Andrei Năstase (PPPDA) – 1.

The observers visited 1,817 polling stations. They noted a lack of equipment in 63 precincts, a lack of Internet access in 587 cases, a lack of a telephone connection in 606 cases, a lack of fire protection in 757 cases, insufficient illumination in 316 cases, a lack of computers in 468 cases, a lack of heating in 735 cases, a lack of access for persons with physical impairments in 1132 cases and a lack of special tools for people with visual impairments in 1191 cases. Promo-LEX observers reported two cases when, at the time of their visit, the polling stations did not meet the minimum conditions for the voting process.

In addition, on 19 October 2016 between 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm, Promo-LEX observers contacted a sample of 207 polling stations by telephone.  At the time of the telephone survey, 144 polling stations did not answer the phone, which accounts for 69.6 % of the total number of polling stations contacted. This was the same error rate as found by Promo-LEX Association during the general local elections of 14 (28) June 2015 (64% or 136 cases) and the parliamentary elections of 30 November 2014 (63% or 133 cases).

Promo-LEX observers noted at least 11 cases of smear campaigns against election candidates, which affected: Andrei Năstase (PPPDA), Maia Sandu (PPPAS) and the PPPN leader Renato Usatîi. At the same time, 10 cases of vandalism of billboards and mobile advertisements were noted. The affected contestants: Marian Lupu (PDM) – 4 cases; Inna Popenco (PPMSPR) – 2; Mihai Ghimpu (PL) – 2; Igor Dodon (PPPSRM) – 1 and Maia Sandu (PPPAS) – 1.

Promo-LEX Observation Mission notes the continuation of the tendency to use administrative resources to promote candidates or potential candidates. Promo-LEX observers reported at least 21 cases of candidates/potential candidates using administrative resources for electoral purposes during this period: Marian Lupu (PDM) – 13 cases; Mihai Ghimpu (PL) – 6 cases; Igor Dodon (PPPSRM) – 1 case; Iurie Leancă (PPPEM) – 1 case.

In addition, Lupu Marian, Ghimpu Mihai, Leancă Iurie, Dodon Igor, Radu Silvia and Popenco Inna had electoral posters displayed in prohibited places, such as: fences, poles, gates, bus stations.

The funding sources of the electoral candidates are the following: financial donations from 1,511 individuals (for 8 election candidates) totaling MDL 27,246,860, financial donations from 9 legal entities amounting to MDL 4,971,261.05 for 4 election candidates (Iurie Leancă/PPPPEM, Dumitru Ciubașenco/PPPN, Maia Sandu/PPPAS, Inna Popenco/MSPRR) and in-kind donations amounting to MDL 756,086 for 4 election candidates (Maia Sandu/PPPAS, Igor Dodon/PPPSRM, Inna Popenco/MSPRR, Dumitru Ciubașenco/PPPN).

The Promo-LEX Mission’s analysis established 4 categories of donations: “very large” – over 1 million MDL (Silvia Radu/IC – 1 donor; Dumitru Ciubașenco/PPPN – 1 donor; Inna Popenco/MSPRR – 1 donor), “large” – from 75 thousand to 1 million MDL (Mihai Ghimpu/PL – 6 donors; Silvia Radu/IC – 1 donor; Inna Popenco/MSPRR – 2 donors; Dumitru Ciubașenco/PPPN – 3 donors; Iurie Leancă/PPPPEM – 2 donors; Maia Sandu/PPPAS – 1 donor), “medium” – from 60 thousand MDL to 75 thousand MDL (Marian Lupu/PDM – 24 donors; Igor Dodon/PPPSRM – 2 donors; Iurie Leancă/PPPPEM – 3 donors; Valeriu Ghilețchi/IC – 1 donor) and “other donations” – up to 60 thousand MDL: (Marian Lupu/PDM – 1018 donors; Dumitru Ciubașenco/PPPN – 254 donors; Iurie Leancă/PPPPEM – 73 donors; Igor Dodon/PPPSRM – 123 donors; Mihai Ghimpu/PL – 1 donor; Maia Sandu/PPPAS – 1 donor).

Promo-LEX finds that a large share of candidates’ expenses were for “advertising”. Thus, 97.05% of all expenses were reported as advertising expenses, followed by 1.05% for the use of transportation vehicles, 1.04% for organizing meetings and events, 0.22% for consultants, 0.18% for additional maintenance costs, 0.08% for the delegation or secondment of people (volunteers/observers) and 0.38% for other expenses.

At the same time, Promo-LEX observers found a group of expenses that was not reflected in the financial statements. Observers reported that 10 election candidates leased 167 offices in 35 district capitals, Chisinau and Balti municipalities and ATUG, but only 3 of them reported such expenses in their statements submitted to CEC. We also found that 10 election candidates used communication services during the first 2 weeks of election campaigning, but only one election contestant (Marian Lupu) reported such expenses.

Promo-LEX observers reported the use of vehicles for electoral trips within RM by at least 10 election candidates, but only 4 election candidates reported such expenses in their statements submitted to CEC.

According to Promo-LEX observers, 9 election candidates fully or partially omitted reporting expenses for promotional materials in their reports on the funding of their election campaigns submitted to CEC. We state here that, up to 14 October 2016, the Observation Mission has noted the presence of online advertisements: paid Facebook advertisements and online banners on a number of portals. Only 3 election candidates (Marian Lupu, Dumitru Ciubașenco, Inna Popenco) reported expenses exceeding the estimates made by Promo-LEX Mission.

See the Report here.

Promo-LEX Observation Mission consists of 42 long-term observers who will monitor the electoral process in all constituencies of the Republic of Moldova during 31 August – 30 November 2016. On the election day, Promo-LEX will delegate a short-term observer in each polling station of the country. Promo-LEX EOM will also perform the Parallel Vote Tabulation in all polling stations. The Mission will monitor the electoral process in about 47 PS open abroad. The observers involved in the monitoring process sign the Code of Conduct of the Promo-LEX Independent National Observer, assuming the commitment to act efficiently, in good faith and in a non-partisan manner. The activity of all observers is coordinated by a central team consisting of 37 persons.

The activity carried out by Promo-LEX EOM and the “Come to Vote” campaign is currently funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the British Embassy in Chisinau, the National Endowment for Democracy and the Council of Europe. The opinions presented in the public reports of Promo-LEX belong to authors and do not necessarily reflect the donors’ view.

For more details, please contact: Tatiana Pascovschi, Communication Officer of Promo-Lex Election Observation Mission: GSM 060804022, e-mail: [email protected]