Promo-LEX calls for government agencies to step in a case of vote secrecy violation for at least 25 voters

Promo-LEX Association calls on government agencies to take a position in a case observed on Election Day when at least 25 people could not be guaranteed the right to secret and free vote. The Observation Mission reported this alarming incident on October 20, in a press release made at 22:00.

Members of the precinct electoral bureau No 36/5 in Comrat, Gagauzia took a mobile ballot box to the local retirement home. During the voting procedure, they failed to ensure the secrecy of the vote for at least 25 voters. Moreover, in some cases the “VOTED” stamp was applied by the person “assisting” the voters, without the voter showing their exact choice.

The case was reported to the Central Election Commission and the General Police Inspectorate for them to examine the situation at the said polling station. We state the inacceptability of inaction by members of the precinct electoral bureau who did not step in to stop the vote secrecy violation, as well as that of exercising another person’s right to vote.

Given that the failure to ensure the secret and free vote for persons with special needs seems to be a systemic problem, we consider it necessary both to regulate the assisted voting procedure in detail and train electoral officials on the subject of assisted voting, as well as take other actions to prevent such incidents in the future.

Let it be reminded that Article 29 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities sets out a number of guarantees for people with disabilities in the voting process, including:

ensuring appropriate, accessible and easy to understand and use voting procedures, facilities and materials;
protecting the right of persons with disabilities to vote by secret ballot in public elections and referendums, without intimidation, facilitating the use of new and assistive technologies where appropriate;
guaranteeing the free expression of will for persons with disabilities as voters and, to that end, allowing a person of their choice to assist in voting at their request, as the case may be.

Promo-LEX also reported the case to the General Inspectorate of Police for its examination in terms of the criminal act provided for by Article 182 para. (1) of the Criminal Code (a person’s voting instead of another person), but also of other criminal and/or contravention provisions that could be relevant in the case reported.

We specify that, in order to ensure a fair and transparent election process, it is extremely important that the vote be direct, secret and free. The vote must be cast without coercion or influence, so that the voter has the opportunity to choose their representative without any pressure or indication from others. Last but not least, the electoral authorities that manage the voting process need to be independent and impartial and ensure the necessary conditions for secret and free voting.

For further information please contact:

Dumitrita Ciuvaga
PR manager
Promo-LEX Association
Tel: +373 68 800 827

Promo-LEX Mission for Observing the Presidential Elections and Republican Constitutional Referendum on October 20, 2024: Conclusions and Findings – Election Day

On October 20, 2024, the day of the Presidential Elections and the Republican Constitutional Referendum, the Promo-LEX Observation Mission (OM) deployed short-term observers (STOs) to 614 polling stations, selected based on a sample provided by a sociological firm. Furthermore, a static observer was assigned to each of the 30 polling stations designated for voters from the Transnistrian region.

Particular attention was given to polling stations abroad, with 91 static observers deployed to monitor these locations.

In addition to the static observers, the Promo-LEX Observation Mission deployed 89 mobile teams to monitor the electoral process in polling stations not covered by the sample. These mobile teams also assessed accessibility to the polling stations, including those where voters from the Transnistrian region cast their ballots.

After processing all alert reports submitted by observers, the Promo-LEX Observation Mission identified a total of 778 incidents during the election day.

The release is prepared within the framework of the Presidential Election and Constitutional Referendum Observation Mission of October 20, 2024, conducted by the Promo-LEX Association, with financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Union, the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the International Organization of La Francophonie, and the Soros Foundation Moldova. The observation mission is carried out under the aegis of the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections.

The opinions expressed in the public statements of the Promo-LEX Observation Mission belong to the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funders or partners. The content of this document may be subject to editorial revisions.

For further information, please contact:
Dumitrița Ciuvaga
Communication Officer
Promo-LEX Association
Tel: +373 68 800 827

Promo-LEX Mission for Observing the Presidential Elections and Republican Constitutional Referendum on October 20, 2024: Latest elections day data

20 octombrie 2024
10:00 pm

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission (OM) for the Presidential Elections and Republican Constitutional Referendum on October 20, 2024, notes 1188 alerts reported by Promo-LEX observers until 10:00 PM. The central team of the Promo-LEX Observation Mission (OM) processed 130 of these cases as incidents.

According to observers, out of the total of 614 polling stations monitored at closing, three polling stations did not close at 9:00 PM. The majority of Promo-LEX observers rated the performance of the members of the Electoral Bureau (PEB) during the opening process as good and very good, with a percentage of 98.7%.

Furthermore, the members of the PEB demonstrated a high level of cooperation, providing the requested information in 99.5% of cases.

Incidents reported during the voting process and at the polling stations closing:

Incidents related to the failure to maintain order in the polling station and within a 100-meter radius.

Presence of advertising materials, displays, and electoral panels within the polling station vicinity (100 meters from the polling location) – 4 cases. It is essential to emphasize that the responsibility for the removal of such advertising materials rests with the Local Public Administration (APL). This measure is designed to safeguard voters from external influences while they exercise their right to vote.

PS 25/74, Orhei, Susleni: Within the polling station, electoral materials (calendars) supporting a candidate were discovered. Upon notification by an observer, these materials were promptly removed.
PS 4/36, Anenii Noi, Telița: Electoral materials supporting a candidate are displayed on the information board of the local government.
PS 5/13, Basarabeasca, Iordanovca: Leaflets in favor of a candidate were observed on an information board within the polling station premises.
PS 2/27, Bălți: Two promotional materials were displayed on the wall inside the polling station.

Electoral agitation or negative campaigning (PR) within the 100-meter radius and/or inside the polling station (PS) aimed at influencing voter choices – 7 cases. Electoral agitation or the dissemination of negative information (negative PR) is strictly prohibited on election day, both within the polling station and within a 100-meter radius, to prevent undue influence on voters’ decisions.

PS 01/204, Chișinău, Râșcani: At 18:12, a voter arrived at the polling station in an intoxicated state. Before entering the voting booth, he turned to the observers and asked, “The second one is Maia Sandu, right?” A representative from the Renaissance Party advised him to place the stamp next to candidate number 4, saying, “Put the stamp on the fourth one.” The president and members of the PEB did not notice this discussion.
Polling Station 02/22, Bălți: At approximately 17:40, an individual attempted to enter the polling station while carrying a European Union flag. The PEB president denied him entry and requested that he leave the polling area. Upon exiting the station, the individual was stopped by a police officer, who asked him to vacate the area, warning that further measures would be taken if he did not comply.
Polling Station 36/50 ATUG, Congaz: At 18:21, an elderly voter entered the polling station and shouted in Gagauz, “Where is Sandu? I will at least get her out.” The PEB members addressed his behavior, and the individual exercised his right to vote before leaving the station.
Polling Station 38/122, Republic of Italy, Bologna: At 18:42, a female voter exhibited aggressive behavior by speaking loudly to the PEB. Following this interaction, she exited the polling station while chanting Maia Sandu’s name and continued to do so even after leaving the polling station. This behavior ceased after a PEB member insisted that she stop.
Polling Station 38/41, Republic of France, Nice: A group of five young men (under 30 years old) displayed inappropriate behavior inside the polling station, shouting “Down with Maia Sandu.” Subsequently, the individuals were dispersed by the PEB members and were allowed to enter the station one at a time. They were similarly escorted during their exit after casting their votes.
Polling Station 16/38, Edineț, Hlinaia: At 19:53, a voter loudly declared his choice as he placed his ballot into the ballot box.
Polling Station 38/129, Republic of Italy, Rimini: At 18:15, a woman entered the polling station holding a yellow flower and repeatedly stated that she was voting for Maia Sandu. The PEB members of invited her to refrain from repeating this and reminded her that voting is confidential.

Unauthorized presence within the polling station or within a 100-meter radius – 6 cases. This prohibition aims to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, free from any undue influence.

PS 32/23 Ștefan Vodă, Răscăieți: An unauthorized individual was observed multiple times in the vicinity of the polling station, including inside the building. After being warned, the individual exited the polling station.
PS 29/46 Soroca, Racovăț: Throughout the day, an unauthorized person (a representative of the BP Victorie) periodically entered the polling station to engage in discussions and collect information from the representative of the political party present within the polling station. The PEB president issued a warning, stating that their presence was not permitted without accreditation, except for the purpose of voting. Nevertheless, the individual continued to return intermittently to obtain the sought-after information.
PS 22/14 Leova, Beștemac: A group of unauthorized individuals was observed approximately 40 meters from the entrance of the polling station. The PEB president requested police intervention, after which the individuals left the polling station.
PS 38/72 Republic of Greece, Athens: At 18:54, the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Greece, Andrei Popov, returned to the polling station. He stated that he had visited other polling stations in Athens to observe the voting process. Two minutes later, two additional individuals entered the polling station, including a Moldovan woman who had previously voted and her Greek husband. It was noted that the woman is a restaurant owner, and the ambassador took the opportunity to introduce her to the members of the polling station. The members of the polling station did not issue any warnings.
PS 18/5 Florești: At 19:32, the mayor of the locality entered the polling station. He greeted everyone, inquired about the number of people who had voted up to that point, wished everyone good luck, and left shortly thereafter. He was present in the room for approximately 3-4 minutes and did not engage in any private discussions. The PEB president merely smiled and responded to his greetings.
PS 29/14 Soroca, Badiceni: Members of the polling station brought a mobile ballot box to the boarding school in Badiceni. One of the voters, named Aliona, accompanied two individuals into the voting booth. In the hallway, near the door, another person shouted, “Aliona, vote for Maia Sandu,” referring to those she was assisting.

Violations of ballot secrecy (photographing marked ballots, displaying the marked ballots; improper placement of ballots that allows visibility of voter choices) – 36 cases. Voters are prohibited from taking photos of their marked ballots, showing their ballots, and placing ballots in the ballot box in a manner that makes their voting choices visible.

PS 21/02 Ialoveni: At 17:30, a voter was observed taking a photograph of their ballot. No corrective action was implemented to address this violation.
PS 21/37 Ialoveni, Ruseștii Noi: At 17:46, a voter attempted to photograph their ballot within the voting booth; however, the intervention of PEB members effectively thwarted this attempt.
PS 38/112, Republic of Italy, Venice: At 16:55, a voter expressed the intention to photograph their ballot. The PEB president noticed this action and promptly issued a warning to the voter, who ultimately refrained from proceeding with their initial intent.
PS 30/41 Strășeni, Sireți: At 15:30, a voter was seen photographing their ballot within the voting booth. Following the intervention and request of the PEB members, as well as the police, the photograph was subsequently deleted.
PS 37/21, Dubăsari, Doroțcaia: At 17:52, a voter was observed showing their marked ballot to another voter. The individual then proceeded to cast their vote and exited the polling station.
PS 38/72, Hellenic Republic, Athens: A voter was observed photographing their ballot inside the voting booth. Members of the PEB prohibited this action and requested the voter to delete the photograph. Ultimately, the voter complied with the request.
PS 01/064 Chișinău, Botanica: At 18:40, a voter was seen taking a photograph of their ballot. At the insistence of the PEB members, the individual deleted the photograph and exited the polling station.
PS 38/179, Romania, Bucharest: At 18:09, within the polling station, a voter was observed photographing their ballot inside the voting booth. The PEB president intervened and informed the voter that such actions were prohibited. The voter subsequently deleted the photograph in the presence of the president.
PS 01/259 Chișinău, Durlești: At 18:41, a voter was noted photographing their ballot. Following the insistence of authorized monitors overseeing the electoral process, the individual deleted the photograph and exited the polling station.
PS 02/54 Bălți: At 18:03, a voter was seen photographing their ballot within the voting booth. At the request of the members of the PEB, the photograph was deleted.
PS 01/284 Chișinău, Ciorescu: At 18:45, a voter photographed their ballot. At the request of the members of the PEB, the individual deleted the photograph and exited the polling station.
PS 01/231 Chișinău, Riscani: At 18:39, a voter photographed their ballot. Upon the request of the members of the PEB, the individual deleted the photograph and exited the polling station.
PS 38/69, Federal Republic of Germany, Hanover: At 16:30, a voter was seen photographing ballots. The PEB members observed this action and issued a warning regarding the prohibition against photographing ballots. Ultimately, the photograph was deleted.
PS 01/036 Chișinău, Botanica: At 18:08, a voter photographed their ballot. They did not comply with the request from the PEB members to delete the photograph. Consequently, the voter was escorted to the police station.
PS 01/088 Chișinău, Buiucani: At 18:39, a voter was observed photographing their ballot. At the request of the PEB members, the individual deleted the photograph.
PS 1/088, Chișinău, Buiucani: At 18:39, a PEB member observed a voter photographing their ballot. At the member’s request, the voter deleted the photograph and proceeded to exercise their right to vote.
PS 36/54 UTAG, Copceac: At 16:10, a voter was noted photographing their ballot within the voting booth. Upon the request of the PEB members, the voter initially refused to delete the photograph. Consequently, police intervention was requested, leading to the preparation of a report and the issuance of a fine to the voter.
PS 36/54 UTAG, Copceac: At 18:35, a voter was observed photographing their ballot in the voting booth. Following the involvement and request of the PEB members, the individual deleted the photograph.
PS 01/095 Chișinău, Buiucani: At 14:27, two voters (a husband and wife) presented themselves at the polling station. After making her selection, the female voter indicated to her husband how he should mark his ballot. The PEB members did not intervene in this instance.
PS 38/170, Republic of Poland, Warsaw: At 15:46, a voter was observed photographing their ballot within the voting booth. This action went unnoticed by the PEB members.
PS 6/35 Briceni, Slobozia-Șirăuți: At 16:40, a voter, after marking their ballot, displayed it to the PEB members and began to campaign regarding the referendum, urging others to vote “NO.” The PEB members requested the individual to leave the polling station, and after the voter refused, they were escorted out.
PS 7/10, Cahul: A voter entered the voting booth and photographed their ballot. The voter was warned that this constituted a violation; however, they proceeded to cast their vote and deposit the ballot in the ballot box without deleting the photograph.
PS 38/72, Hellenic Republic, Athens: At 19:13, a voter photographed their ballot. A PEB member cautioned the individual to delete the photograph.
PS 38/228, Republic of Turkey, Istanbul: At 20:10, a voter was observed photographing their ballot. Upon request from a PEB member, the photograph was deleted.
PS 01/187 Chișinău, Ciocana: At 19:48, a voter was seen photographing their ballot (with the flash activated on their phone). The PEB president requested the voter to delete the photograph. After the individual complied, they claimed to have not taken any pictures but later admitted that it was for personal keepsake.
PS 38/182, Romania, Iași: At 20:03, a voter photographed their ballot. The PEB president was alerted, and the photograph was subsequently deleted.
PS 01/259 Chișinău, Durlești: At 19:03, a voter was observed photographing their ballot. The individual did not comply with the PEB president’s request to delete the photograph and subsequently exited the polling station.
PS 38/179, Romania, Bucharest: At 20:24, a voter was noted photographing their ballot inside the voting booth. The PEB president intervened, informing the voter that such actions were prohibited. The voter deleted the photograph.
PS 36/43 UTAG, Chirsova: At 20:18, a voter was observed photographing their ballot. This case went unnoticed by the PEB members, and the voter ultimately left the polling station without deleting the photograph.
PS 01/180 Chișinău, Ciocana: At 18:12, two voters (a husband and wife) were observed photographing their ballots. They exited the polling station without deleting the photographs.
PS 38/47, Federal Republic of Germany, Berlin: At 17:30, a voter attempted to photograph their ballot. They were cautioned by the PEB members, after which the photograph was deleted.
PS 38/153, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, London: At 19:02, a voter intended to photograph their ballot; however, they were intercepted and subsequently refrained from taking the photograph. The photograph that had been taken was deleted.
PS 16/38, Edineț, Hlinaia: At 19:53, a voter photographed their ballot. The PEB members witnessed this but took no action.
PS 38/34, French Republic, Montreuil: At 20:12, a voter was warned not to photograph their ballot. Despite this warning, the voter proceeded to take a photograph. However, under the insistence of the PEB president, the photograph was deleted.
PS 38/56, Federal Republic of Germany, Bremen: At 18:29, a voter photographed their ballot. The individual later deleted the photograph at the request of a PEB member.
PS 36/5 ATUG, Comrat: Members of the PEB, who visited the nursing home in Comrat, failed to ensure the confidentiality of the voting process. They arrived without a voting booth. As a result, at least 25 voters cast their votes without the assurance of ballot secrecy. In some instances, the stamp was applied without the voter’s explicit intent being manifested, by the individual assisting them—the medical professional. Reactions were noted from some voters.

Unjustified group voting – 8 cases. Voting must be conducted in a secret and freely expressed manner. Group voting undermines these principles and may facilitate control over the voting process or exert undue influence on the voter.

PS 01/097 Chișinău, Buiucani: Two elderly voters, though capable of exercising their voting rights independently, entered the same voting booth and insisted on voting together. Members of the PEB warned them that this was not permitted; however, the voters did not comply.
PS 37/21, Dubăsari, Doroțcaia: At 17:22, two voters entered separate voting booths. Subsequently, one voter entered the booth of the other and indicated something to them.
PS 36/59 ATUG, Dezghingea: At 17:41, two voters (a mother and daughter) entered the polling station, each using separate voting booths. However, from the adjacent booth, the daughter provided instructions to her mother regarding whom and which option to vote for. The PEB members of did not intervene in this situation.
PS 01/095 Chișinău, Buiucani: Two young voters cast their ballots in the same voting booth. They were accompanied by a young child, to whom they directed where to place the stamp. The PEB members of did not intervene.
PS 25/04 Orhei: At 18:12, a group of approximately eight individuals entered the polling station in a boisterous manner, discussing, among other topics, the placement of the stamp in favor of the “NO” option on the referendum. Among these individuals were two elderly voters with visual impairments, who voted alongside their grandchildren, who were also advocating for the “NO” option on the referendum.
PS 25/04 Orhei: In the voting booth, a mother and son, both exhibiting mobility impairments, entered together. They conferred and marked their ballots with the “voted” stamp.
PS 36/20 UTAG, Vulcănești: Within the voting booth, two voters were observed; one of them marked the ballots with the voting stamp for both and together deposited the ballots into the ballot box. The PEB president did not respond to this occurrence.
PS 16/47 Edineț, Tîrnova: At 19:16, two voters were observed together in a voting booth. The individuals were not elderly and did not demonstrate any special needs for assistance. The PEB president intervened with a verbal observation to the voters, to which they apologized.

Incidents related to vote influencing

Rumors, attempts or even situations of material or monetary rewards offered to voters in the 100 m perimeter of the polling station to determine the voters’ vote – 5 cases. Such practices are strictly prohibited and pose a significant threat to the integrity of the electoral process.

PS 38/194, Federația Rusă, Moscova: At 14:00, within a distance of less than 10 meters, a group of volunteers dressed in white jackets, presenting themselves as representatives of the Cultural and Educational Center of Moldova in Russia, distributed invitations to voters upon their departure from the polling stations. These invitations were for a nearby establishment, the “Хинкальная” Café, located at Neghina Street 15. Entry to the café was restricted to individuals possessing these invitations.
PS 16/38 Edineț, Hlinaia: At 18:13, a representative of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM) was observed making jokes with nearly every voter after they received the “I Voted” sticker. The representative stopped each voter, saying, “With this voucher, you can go to such-and-such store and receive 100g.” The PEB members witnessed this but did not take any action, citing that the individual was a local resident known to everyone and was merely joking. This behavior persisted throughout the day.
PS 15/4, Dubăsari, Coșnița: At 17:10, near the entrance to the polling station, a group of 5-7 citizens was observed discussing monetary rewards. They stated, “We were told that we would be paid tomorrow, but maybe at the end of the week. Be careful how you vote.” The electoral short-term observer (STO) did not hear the specific amount being discussed, nor did they ascertain which candidate had promised the reward. Although the PEB president was aware of the situation, voting was not restricted. However, PEB members remained vigilant to prevent any potential electoral fraud.
PS 37/39, Stânga Nistrului: At approximately 15:45, a vehicle was observed in the parking lot adjacent to the polling station, containing five individuals. These individuals greeted voters, directed them towards the polling station, and provided other instructions. During their interactions, they were seen exchanging money while shaking hands. The vehicle had been parked for an extended period.
PS 14/6 Drochia: According to statements from the PEB president, a PEB member handed a sum of 40 lei and a list to an individual. Another member witnessed this and reported it to the president. The case was documented by the police, and it was confirmed that the money was intended for a trip to the church. Additionally, the 2nd-level electoral districts (CECE II) was notified, which convened a meeting and decided to remove that member from the polling station.

Organized transport of voters (coaches, minibuses or other transport units that would not tipically be present around) – 5 cases. Adhering to this prohibition is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

SV 1/73, Chișinău, Buiucani: A repeated presence was noted of a black Volkswagen minivan, lacking registration plates or other distinctive markings, which was transporting elderly individuals to the polling station. The minivan was observed in close proximity to the polling station, with 9-10 individuals disembarking each time. The driver entered the polling station but, upon realizing he was being monitored, promptly left the location. Furthermore, a representative from the Vasile Tarlev campaign (Partidul Viitorul Moldovei) was seen conversing with some of the transported individuals regarding “how they should vote.” The PEB president did not take any action in this regard.
SV 37/18 and 37/19, Stânga Nistrului, Cocieri: Between the hours of 07:00 and 15:00, in the village of Cocieri, 11 vehicles were monitored and observed making organized trips to transport voters to the polling station on multiple occasions.
SV 38/182, România, Iași: At 20:38, a large group of elderly individuals (approximately 20 people) arrived at the polling station. Conversations between two Russian-speaking individuals indicated that these individuals had been directed to come to the polling station to exercise their voting rights.
SV 01/101, Chișinău, Buiucani: Near the polling station, in the parking lot of the “Speranța” Sports School, a group of 6-8 individuals was observed heading towards the polling station. In close proximity to the school gate was a VW Transporter with the registration number “STAS 447.” The driver was seen counting something with the lights on. When he noticed he was being photographed by a Promo-LEX observer, he turned off the lights, closed the door, and drove away.
Florești: According to Promo-LEX observers, members of the “Block of Victory” had representatives positioned adjacent to the polling station (40) and in each locality, equipped with a service vehicle to transport voters upon request for a fee of 500 lei.

Incidents of intimidation or acts of violence involving voters, PEB members, observers, media, or other persons – 6 cases. Intimidation can take various forms, ranging from verbal threats to physical violence, and can significantly impact participants in the electoral process.

PS 37/15, Căușeni, Hagimus: At 16:45, a supporter of Irina Vlah, identifying himself as Victor Tabac, arrived at the polling station. His behavior was characterized by arrogance and disrespect, expressing outrage over the denial of a woman’s right to vote due to her lack of a accompanying document. The PEB president intervened to de-escalate the conflict; however, the individual continued to create a disturbance, exiting the premises with inappropriate conduct.
PS 22/07, Leova: At 17:00, it was reported that the PEB president intimidated a Promo-LEX observer by stating that any incident reporting must be discussed with her beforehand. She referred to him as a “child with a star on his forehead” and made several remarks suggesting he was overstepping his bounds, thereby intimidating the observer.
PS 38/141, Republica Italiană, Trento: Between 16:00 and 17:00, a member of the PEB representing the PSRM accused virtually everyone present, particularly the PEB president, the SAIS Elections operators, and even Promo-LEX representatives, of being affiliated with the PAS party. Additionally, she boycotted the PEB’s activities for an extended period, failing to fulfill her responsibilities as a member of the polling station.
PS 20/38, Hîncești, Lăpușna: An intoxicated voter refused to place their ballots into the ballot box. The PEB president called the police due to the individual’s disruptive behavior. The police escorted the voter out of the polling station, while a PEB member forcibly collected the ballots and deposited them into the ballot box.
PS 25/04, Orhei: At 20:15, an intoxicated voter entered the polling station, displaying aggressive behavior by shouting and insulting representatives of Alexandr Stoianoglo (PSRM) and the PR. The PEB president requested police intervention to manage the situation. Consequently, the voter calmed down, cast his vote, and departed.
SV 13/22, Dondușeni, Sudarca: At 18:55, an intoxicated voter presented himself at the polling station and subsequently voted. At 20:20, he returned to the polling station wishing to vote again. When the operators informed him that he had already voted that day, he alleged that someone had voted in his stead. The police were summoned to the scene. After reviewing the surveillance footage, it was confirmed that the individual had indeed voted earlier.

Incidents related to the organization of voting process

Ballot boxes were not sealed according to legal procedures/ broken/ damaged or missing seals on ballot boxes – 10 cases. According to existing legislation, ballot boxes must be secured with four seals to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

PS01/028, Chișinău, Botanica: The ballot boxes are not properly sealed; one box has 4 seals, while another has 3 seals. According to the PEB president, one seal was broken.
PS 25/005, Orhei: The stationary ballot box in use was sealed with 3 seals, while the 2 reserve ballot boxes are sealed with 2 seals and 1 box with 3 seals. The mobile ballot box is sealed with 2 seals.
PS 16/035, Edineț, Hăncăuț: The stationary ballot boxes have only 3 seals.
PS 21/17, Ialoveni, Dănceni: At 18:00, when two PEB members returned from the village with the mobile ballot box, it was observed that it was not sealed. The PEB president sealed the mobile ballot box over an hour after returning to the polling station.
PS 9/18, Călărași, Codru: The stationary ballot box had only 2 seals. The PEB president was notified, and the other 2 seals were applied.
PS 30/47, Strășeni, Zubrești: The stationary ballot boxes were sealed with only 2 seals each. The PEB president argued that there was not enough time to seal the ballot boxes according to legal procedures. Following the observer’s report, the missing seals were applied.
PS 16/22, Edineț, Brînzeni: Two stationary ballot boxes were sealed with 2 seals each. The PEB president explained that they received fewer seals.
PS 1/79, Chișinău, Buiucani: The ballot boxes were sealed with only 3 seals instead of 4. The PEB president communicated that they needed to keep 6 seals in reserve for the bags.
PS 29/7, Soroca: The stationary ballot box is sealed with only 3 seals.
PS 25/67, Orhei, Semănanca: The mobile ballot box was sealed with 2 seals. The president noticed but did not react.

Inadequate storage of undistributed ballots, which were not kept in a secure safe or cabinet within the polling station – 1 case. It is important to note that undistributed ballots must be stored in accordance with legal regulations to ensure the integrity and security of the electoral process.

PS 4/36, Anenii Noi, Telița: The unallocated ballot papers are kept on the table of the PEB president, not in a safe or in a cabinet.

Interruption of the filming process for electoral operations throughout the voting day – 18 cases. Any disruption in filming can raise suspicions and undermine public confidence in the integrity of the elections.

PS 18/066, Florești, Vărvăreuca: The video camera was damaged after 14:00. An elector tripped over the wire, resulting in the breakage of the video camera. An act of finding was drafted to document the damage incurred.
PS 01/297, Chișinău, Tohatin: At 18:20, the mobile team visited the polling station. Observers determined that the video camera was not operational. The PEB president explained that due to technical issues (the camera was likely defective), the recording process had not taken place throughout the day. He also stated that the information was reported to the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) in the morning.
PS 20/035, Hâncești, Fîrlădeni: At 18:20, it was observed that the video camera was not recording the voting process. The PEB president attempted to resolve the issue upon the arrival of the mobile team, but without success.
PS 29/32, Soroca, Holoșnița: The filming of the voting process did not commence from the opening of the polling station due to the memory card being full. As of 18:30, the issue remained unresolved.
PS 18/55, Florești, Cenușa: Throughout the day, the video camera was non-functional. An act of finding was drawn up to document this situation.
PS 31/15, Șoldănești, Dobrușa: The video camera was non-operational due to technical malfunctions. The PEB president is aware of this issue.
PS 29/59, Soroca, Regina-Maria: Upon entering the polling station, the observer found that the video camera was turned off, citing a lack of available power outlets. Following this observation, the PEB president reconnected the video camera.
PS 6/34, Briceni, Pererîta: The video camera was connected but not set to record. After this observation, the PEB president initiated the recording.
PS 38/141, Republic of Italy, Trento: At 18:40, the video camera ceased recording due to the memory card being full. This issue was reported by a member of the polling station, and solutions are currently being sought.
PS 38/141, Republic of Italy, Trento: At 18:40, the video camera ceased recording due to the memory card being full. This issue was reported by a member of the polling station, and solutions are currently being sought.
PS 31/11, Șoldănești, Cotiujenii Mari: Since 19:30, the video camera has been disconnected. The PEB president has drafted an act of finding regarding this situation.
PS 20/52, Hîncești, Onești: At 20:04, the observer noted that the video camera was connected but not recording. Following the observer’s report, the recording was initiated.
PS 12/10, Criuleni, Cimișeni: At 21:03, the video camera was disconnected by a PEB member. As of now, the camera has not yet been reconnected.
PS 38/223, USA, Las Vegas: At 08:15 local time, a voter unintentionally touched the camera, resulting in a change in its position and directing the filming downwards. The incident was detected by PEB members approximately five minutes later. By 09:19, the position of the filming camera was fully adjusted.
PS 01/080, Chișinău, Buiucani: Following the declaration of the voting process as closed, the video camera was not positioned to record the unsealing of the ballot boxes and the counting of votes. The camera was connected only at 21:29 after an observation made by the Promo-LEX observer. According to the operator, he received a message indicating that the camera was supposed to record between 07:00 and 21:00.
PS 01/202, Chișinău, Rîscani: When the vote counting commenced, the camera, like throughout the day, was turned off. The reason for the camera’s malfunction is unknown; the SAIS Elections operator contacted the CEC, but no resolution was achieved. A report was drafted indicating that the camera was not operational.
PS 37/24, Florești, Sănătăuca: From 07:45 to 21:00, the video camera could not be connected.
PS 02/48, Bălți: At 21:24, the video camera was disconnected. After approximately one minute of disconnection, one of the operators intervened and reconnected the camera to an alternate power source.

Deficiencies in the operation of SAIS Elections (suspension of operation; situations when SAIS Elections indicates that the voter voted, and he claims that he did not vote) – 7 cases. If the SAIS Elections becomes inoperable, it could lead to bottlenecks in the voter registration process. This system plays a crucial role in ensuring that voters are registered accurately and helps prevent multiple voting.

PS 01/206, Chișinău, Râșcani. During a verification in the SAIS Elections, some voters were informed that they were scheduled to vote in Ungheni. Upon arriving at the polling station in Ungheni, SAIS Elections indicated that these individuals had already voted in Chișinău. The voters completed their voting process, and the PEB 206 prepared a record of the erroneous vote.
PS 01/255, Chișinău, Durlești. When verifying a voter’s information in SAIS Elections system, it was communicated that the individual was not assigned to a polling station for the date of the election, despite the identification document indicating otherwise. The voter was offered the option to vote on the supplemental list; however, they refused, expressing indignation over their absence from the primary list. Since SAIS Elections indicated that the voter had been marked as a participant, police intervention was required, and the voter had to submit a refusal to participate in the election.
PS 01/241, Chișinău, Râșcani. During the verification of a voter’s information in SAIS Elections, it was communicated that they had already voted in Spain. The president of the electoral body contacted the CEC (Central Electoral Commission) and was informed that the individual could not vote due to the fraudulent use of their identity. The voter was strongly advised to report to the police station to file a complaint. No formal complaint was made at the station regarding this situation, and the individual did not vote at the station.
PS 01/220, Chișinău, Râșcani. A voter presented themselves at the polling station but was unable to vote because SAIS System indicated that they had already voted at another station. The voter claimed they had not voted there and were informed during the verification in SAIS that they were assigned to this specific station. The voter was denied the opportunity to vote and was advised to return to the previous station, where they had already been marked on the lists.
PS 01/82, Chișinău, Buiucani. Some voters with valid residency permits could not be identified in SAIS Elections. Consequently, they voted on the supplemental lists.
PS 01/115, Chișinău, Centru. At 18:14, a female voter approached the polling station claiming that she had not voted, yet the SAIS records indicated she had voted at another station. The PEB president contacted the CEC, which confirmed that it was a system error and authorized the voter to cast her vote. Following this incident, a formal complaint was submitted and registered.
PS 38/223, United States of America, Las Vegas. At 07:05, it was noted that the SAIS Elections operators were unable to enter voter data for more than 20 minutes due to a malfunction in SAIS Elections.

Irregularities in the electoral lists – 6 cases.

PS 01/086, Chișinău, Buiucani. A voter identified his deceased wife in the electoral list, despite her having passed away a significant time ago.
PS 30/04, Strășeni. At 17:40, during the verification of data by the SAIS Elections operator, a voter was not identified as being assigned to the respective polling station. He was registered as lacking a residency permit, even though the address on his identification document corresponded to the respective polling station. The voter was permitted to vote, having been registered on the supplemental list.
PS 30/06, Strășeni. At 17:34, during the verification of data by the SAIS Elections operator, a voter was not identified as being assigned to the respective polling station. He was registered as lacking a residency permit, even though the address on his identification document corresponded to the respective polling station. The voter was permitted to vote, having been registered on the supplemental list.
PS 02/38, Bălți. Between 16:36 and 18:10, at least five voters could not be found in the SAIS Elections system at the respective polling station. They were allowed to vote and were included on the supplemental lists.
PS 01/99, Chișinău, Buiucani. At 15:32, a voter, despite having a residency permit in the area of the polling station, presented himself to exercise his right to vote but was not found on the electoral list. The voter was able to exercise his right to vote, having been added to the supplemental list.
PS 30/06, Strășeni. At 18:54, a voter, although possessing a residency permit in the area of the polling station, could not be found on the electoral list. As a result, he voted, being included on the supplemental list.

Other – 11 cazuri.

PS 01/210, Chișinău, Râșcani. At 17:46, a woman took two ballots, cast her vote for the presidential election, but tore the referendum ballot and refused to surrender it. The PEB president intervened, and the voter eventually left the torn ballot behind. The president took the ballot with the intention of nullifying it.
PS 30/15, Strășeni, Cojușna. There was a power outage for approximately five minutes; however, the polling station continued its operations during this time.
PS 26/11, Rezina, Cogîlniceni. At the polling station, the representative of the PSRM compiled a list of individuals who had voted up to that point.
PS 38/122, Republic of Italy, Bologna. At 19:10, it was announced that the voting process would be halted due to a report that the polling station might be mined, following a phone call received by a staff member in the room. Local authorities were notified, and all individuals were evacuated.
PS 38/223, USA, Las Vegas. The polling station was not equipped with laptops. The first laptop was brought in only at 08:30. The PEB president attempted to connect the second laptop but reported that the VPN was not functioning, making it impossible to connect the laptop. By 09:56, there were two operators present, but only one functional laptop.
PS 8/10, Cantemir, Capaclia. During the verification of the voter’s IDNP by the SAIS Elections operator, it was indicated that the voter had already exercised his right to vote at another polling station (Republican Clinical Hospital “T. Moșneaga, 29 N. Testemițeanu St., Chisinau, Center sector) at 15:49. The voter claimed that he had not voted. The PEB president took action, and it was established that it was a mistake. An official record was created, but the voter did not cast his ballot.
PS 36/13 ATUG, Ceadîr-Lunga. At 20:45, a voter presented a foreign identification document (her sister’s ID card) at the polling station and attempted to vote. The SAIS Elections operators observed that the identification document was foreign and did not permit her to vote.
PS 20/46, Hîncești, Mingir. Around 20:34, a fire occurred in a room adjacent to the polling station, resulting in a power outage. However, the voting process was not suspended, as flashlights and mobile phone lights were used. The video camera continued recording, operating on battery power. By 21:25, the electricity had not been restored, and alternative methods (generators) were being sought; however, the PEB activity was not affected.
PS 14/6, Drochia. At 09:00, a voter refused to place both ballots into the ballot box for which he had signed. He deposited only the presidential ballot into the box, openly intending to leave with the referendum ballot. When members of the polling station requested that he deposit the ballot into the box, the voter became aggressive and tore the ballot. During discussions with the PEB president, the observer was informed that the police had been called.
PS 01/210, Chișinău, Râșcani. Following the instruction of the PEB president, the nullification of unused ballots began at 20:44. Members were assisted in this process by a representative of the “Our Party.”
PS 22/01, Leova. At 21:00, a voter took a ballot and marked it with a pen, subsequently attempting to cast it into the ballot box. The PEB president insisted that only ballots with the “voted” stamp could be placed in the box. As a result, the voter went into the voting booth, applied the stamp to the damaged ballots, and then deposited them into the ballot box.
PS 01/298, Chișinău, Trușeni. During the distribution of ballots by candidate/option, all members participated. The president did not object, and thus the process continued with all ballots in the same manner.

For further information, please contact:

Dumitrița Ciuvaga
Comunication Officer
Promo-LEX Association
Tel: +373 68 800 827

Promo-LEX Mission for Observing the Presidential Elections and Republican Constitutional Referendum on October 20, 2024: Detailed Information on the Conduct of the Electoral Processes

20 October 2024

19:00 pm

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission (OM) for the Presidential Elections and Republican Constitutional Referendum on October 20, 2024, notes 1016 alerts reported by Promo-LEX observers until 7:00 PM. The central team of the Promo-LEX Observation Mission (OM) processed 938 of these cases as incidents, of which 237 incidents are included in this release.

Incidents reported at the opening of polling stations:

Incidents related to the failure to maintain order in the polling station and within a 100-meter radius.

Presence of advertising materials, displays, and electoral panels within the polling station vicinity (100 meters from the polling location) – 9 cases. It is essential to emphasize that the responsibility for the removal of such advertising materials rests with the Local Public Administration (APL). This measure is designed to safeguard voters from external influences while they exercise their right to vote.

PS 36/7 ATUG, Comrat. Within the jurisdiction of the polling station, electoral posters supporting a candidate were prominently displayed.
PS 23/34 Nisporeni, Șișcani. Leaflets featuring two candidates for the presidential position were observed on the information board situated in front of the polling station.
PS 18/43 Florești, Lunga. An electoral leaflet endorsing a presidential candidate was noted on the informational board in proximity to the polling station.
PS 4/38, Anenii Noi, Crețoaia. An informational board located 50 meters from the polling station displayed electoral posters pertaining to both the constitutional referendum and the presidential election in the Republic of Moldova. The posters encouraged citizens to cast their votes for an option in the referendum as well as for a candidate in the elections. Following the observer’s report, the PEB president was to verify the situation. However, the electoral posters remained in place.
PS 20/56 Hîncești, Pogănești. Advertising material supporting a specific option in the referendum was observed within a 100-meter radius of the polling station.
PS 8/3, Cantemir, Antonești. A leaflet endorsing an option in the referendum was displayed on the informational board located approximately 60 meters from the polling station.
PS 25/25, Orhei, Ciocîlteni. A display concerning the referendum was identified within approximately 100 meters of the polling station. The PEB president promptly addressed this violation after being notified, personally attending to the removal of the poster and stating that no materials had been present on the board earlier that day.
PS 34/35, Telenești, Sărătenii Vechi. Leaflets promoting both the presidential elections and the referendum in support of two presidential candidates were observed on the information board. After the PEB president was informed, only the leaflets related to the referendum were removed.
PS 29/27, Soroca, Cremenciug. A leaflet advocating for a candidate in the presidential elections was affixed to an informational board, located less than 30 meters from the polling station. The PEB president did not respond to this placement.

Electoral agitation or negative campaigning (PR) within the 100-meter radius and/or inside the polling station (PS) aimed at influencing voter choices – 9 cases. Electoral agitation or the dissemination of negative information (negative PR) is strictly prohibited on election day, both within the polling station and within a 100-meter radius, to prevent undue influence on voters’ decisions.

PS 38/151 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, London. At approximately 12:35 PM, within a 100-meter radius of the polling station, a voter attempting to exercise their voting rights engaged in a dispute with other voters who were queuing. This individual disrupted public order with loud outbursts, including derogatory remarks aimed at a presidential candidate, accompanied by unfounded accusations and obscene language. The PEB president requested police intervention.
PS 38/49, Federal Republic of Germany, Frankfurt am Main. Since the opening of the polling station in the morning, an individual has identified himself as a representative of a candidate for the presidential position and a deputy in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. Outside the polling station, he was observed conversing with voters and urging them to support a specific option in the referendum. Additionally, a woman in his vehicle was monitoring the number of voters entering and exiting the polling station. The deputy stated that he personally compensated her for her services.
PS 38/98 Italian Republic, Milan. At 2:47 PM, a female voter arrived at the polling station holding a flag that encouraged support for a specific option in the referendum. The voter was advised to conceal the flag; however, she refused to comply with this directive.
PS 25/83 Orhei, Zorile. After casting her vote and proceeding toward the exit, a voter made derogatory remarks regarding a candidate. PEB members promptly intervened, requesting the voter to cease such behavior, warning that failure to do so would necessitate police involvement.
PS 1/204 Chișinău, Rîșcani. Beginning at 1:00 PM, individuals known to the representative of an electoral competitor began arriving at the polling station. On at least five occasions, these individuals inquired, “Where should I place the stamp?” The representative provided a specific response. The PEB president observed these actions and firmly informed her that she could be removed from the premises. Following this admonition, the representative refrained from further intervention and exited with the mobile ballot box.
PS 25/12 Orhei. At 3:31 PM, a voter in a state of inebriation sought assistance from another individual in the voting booth to place the stamp for a political party. Ultimately, the voter managed to cast their ballot independently.
PS 7/7, Cahul. A representative of a political party was engaged in electoral agitation within the polling station. The PEB president issued multiple warnings; however, the representative failed to comply.
PS 1/123, Chișinău, Centru. A representative of the electoral competitor was observed wearing an insignia badge, which displayed the color and name of the electoral competitor.
PS 1/131, Chișinău, Centru. A female voter arrived at the polling station wearing a T-shirt that clearly indicated her voting preference and contained a message encouraging support for a specific option in the referendum. Members of the PEB insisted that she wear a jacket, but she did not possess one. Nevertheless, she was permitted to vote.

Unauthorized presence within the polling station or within a 100-meter radius – 15 cases.

PS 1/265 Chișinău, Sîngera, Revaca. At 11:40 AM, a minibus was identified parked for over two hours in the vicinity of the polling station. An unauthorized individual inside the minibus was observed taking notes regarding the identities of persons entering the polling station. Upon notification to the PEB president, appropriate measures were taken, and the individual exited the 100-meter radius of the polling station.
PS 38/72 Hellenic Republic, Athens. At 12:00 PM, the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova in Greece cast his vote and appeared to be leaving; however, at 12:22 PM, he was observed accompanying a voter to the gate. Subsequently, he stopped at the gate to converse with other voters. By 12:29 PM, he was seen assisting another woman into the polling station. As of 1:00 PM, he remained in the courtyard of the polling station, engaging in general discussions with voters.
PS 11/12, Cimișlia, Albina. An unauthorized individual was present three times within the electoral office, loitering without cause and engaging in discussions with the SAIS Elections operators, each time for approximately 10 minutes.
PS 20/29 Hîncești, Cotul Morii Sărăteni. Within the polling station premises, a police officer and an unauthorized individual remained for an extended period. The police officer was present until 8:00 AM, while the unauthorized individual periodically exited and re-entered the polling station. This individual engaged in discussions multiple times with a representative of an electoral competitor inside the polling station, while carrying a list. The PEB president intervened, resulting in the individual leaving the polling station, but they continued to loiter at the entrance, conversing with voters. A PEB member summoned the police, who arrived immediately.
PS 01/246 Chișinău, Rîșcani. At 3:30 PM and 3:33 PM, a Promo-LEX observer identified two women photographing voters as they exited the polling station. These women had been seen earlier that morning at 6:40 AM when the observer arrived at the polling station. Despite police being within 100 meters of the polling station (behind them), no actions were taken.
PS 12/2, Criuleni. At 2:25 PM, it appeared that the wife and child of one of the SAIS operators were standing next to the operators’ table for 20 minutes. Members of the PEB did not make any observations, and the woman continued to remain in the polling station since 2:00 PM.
PS 07/07, Cahul. At 3:13 PM, an unauthorized individual who had repeatedly entered the polling station was seen conversing and consulting both inside and outside the polling station with a representative of a political party. Upon being addressed by PEB members regarding her irregular presence, the individual did not respond.
PS 38/46 Federal Republic of Germany, Berlin. At the embassy gate at 12:37 PM, an individual identified himself as Dumitru, representing a party registered in the electoral race for the presidential elections. This individual continued to loiter at the embassy gate for one hour.
PS 38/98 Italian Republic, Milan. At 7:00 AM, when the polling station opened, a voter identifying as a representative of an electoral competitor attempted to enter the polling station. PEB members allowed the young man to exercise his voting rights and subsequently escorted him out of the polling station. At 2:00 PM, the same individual was observed wandering near the polling station, closely monitoring and analyzing all activities.
PS 22/07 Leova. Between 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM, an unauthorized individual was present near the polling station, continuously engaged in phone conversations. Upon the observer’s attempt to ascertain the individual’s identity, the person departed the area.
PS 01/198 Chișinău, Rîșcani. Periodically throughout the day, with intervals of up to one hour, the husband of the PEB president (who is also the driver for the PEB commission), along with the PEB president’s daughter, remained within the polling station next to the secretary and other PEB members.
PS 1/299 Chișinău, Trușeni. At 4:30 PM, an unauthorized individual lingered for at least 20 minutes near the polling station, attempting to converse with voters entering or exiting the polling station.
PS 25/04 Orhei. Throughout the day, three unauthorized individuals were observed near the polling station, periodically leaving and returning while continuously talking on their phones. They were identified as representatives of an electoral competitor.
PS 1/171 Chișinău, Ciocana. At 2:40 PM, an elderly female voter returned to the polling station three times, engaging in discussions with representatives of an electoral competitor each time. Each visit lasted approximately 1 to 5 minutes. PEB members did not observe her presence.
PS 36/9 ATUG, Comrat. Throughout the day, the husband of the PEB president, who is also a driver, periodically entered the polling station without a clear justification, claiming to be visiting his wife. He remained inside for approximately 10 minutes. Reports indicate he has been present there 10 times today. The PEB president did not object to his visits.

Violations of ballot secrecy (photographing marked ballots, displaying the marked ballots; improper placement of ballots that allows visibility of voter choices) – 72 cases. Voters are prohibited from taking photos of their marked ballots, showing their ballots, and placing ballots in the ballot box in a manner that makes their voting choices visible.

PS 20/29 Hîncești, Cotul Morii Sărăteni. After casting his vote, a voter photographed his ballot. The PEB president informed him that photographing the ballot is prohibited; however, he did not request the deletion of the photo. The voter left the polling station without deleting the photo from his phone.
PS 2/22 Bălți. At 1:13 PM, a voter photographed the ballot in the voting booth; however, at the intervention and request of PEB members, he deleted the photo.
PS 38/46 Federal Republic of Germany, Berlin. At 10:17 AM, a voter attempted to photograph the ballot in the voting booth. Upon hearing the camera shutter, a PEB member noted that photographing ballots is not permitted. The voter complied and deleted the photo.
PS 38/182, Romania, Iași. A voter photographed the ballot showing his vote. This was reported to the PEB president, who ensured that the photo was deleted. The voter complied and left.
PS 21/26 Ialoveni, Mileștii Mici. At 1:40 PM, after stamping his ballot, a voter took a photo of the ballot. Following the intervention and request of PEB members, he deleted the photo.
PS 21/26 Ialoveni, Mileștii Mici. At 1:51 PM, after stamping his ballot, a voter took a photo of the ballot. At the intervention and request of PEB members, he deleted the photo.
PS 36/06 UTAG, Comrat. Two voters (a mother and daughter) photographed their ballots. Upon the intervention and request of PEB members, they did not comply. The police were notified; however, the voters were not found by the time the police arrived.
PS 01/298 Chișinău, Trușeni. Two female voters entered the same voting booth. One of them was instructing the other on whom to vote for. Although the PEB member responsible for the ballot box observed the incident, he did not intervene. The PEB president was unaware of the incident.
PS 01/239 Chișinău, Rîșcani. A voter, after stamping her ballot, took out her phone and began photographing both ballots. This was observed by a representative of an electoral competitor, who made a note to the voter. Ultimately, the voter aggressively placed the ballots in the ballot box. The PEB president was not aware of this case, as he was outside the polling station.
PS 01/172 Chișinău, Ciocana. At 2:18 PM, a voter, after stamping her ballot, took a photo of the ballot. Following the intervention and request of PEB members, she deleted the photo.
PS 01/095 Chișinău, Buiucani. After casting her vote, a female voter approached her husband in the adjacent booth and indicated which option he should select on his ballot. One of the PEB members nearby observed this action but did not take any action to stop it.
PS 37/005 Stânga Nistrului, Gura Bâcului. Inside the polling station, a voter was observed by PEB members taking a photo of his ballot after marking it as “voted.” At the request of PEB members, the photo was deleted.
PS 38/22 Switzerland, Geneva. A female voter attempted to photograph her ballot in the voting booth. A representative of an electoral competitor made an observation and requested PEB members to ensure that the woman deleted the photo. The president of the PEB verified this. It was discussed in the office that individuals managing voter flow should announce that photographing ballots is prohibited.
PS 38/153 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, London. A voter took a photo of the ballot showing his choice and left without any measures being taken against him.
PS 38/182 Romania, Iași. An individual photographed the ballot. A PEB member reported this and informed the president of the PEB. The president checked the individual’s gallery and ensured that the photo was deleted from all folders on the phone.
PS 38/42, Republic of France, Nice. A voter photographed the ballot showing his vote option in the voting booth, but the PEB members intervened in time and instructed him to delete the photo. He complied and deleted the photo, after which he left the polling station.
PS 38/182, Romania, Iași. A voter photographed the ballot. The president of the PEB checked the individual’s gallery and ensured that the photo was deleted. The voter did not object.
PS 38/182, Romania, Iași. At 1:42 PM, an individual photographed the ballot. The president of the PEB ensured that the photo was deleted, and the voter complied with the president’s instructions.
PS 38/056 Federal Republic of Germany, Bremen. At 1:30 PM, a voter photographed the ballot. Subsequently, he deleted the photo at the insistence of an electoral commission member.
PS 38/056 Federal Republic of Germany, Bremen. At 1:46 PM, a voter photographed the ballot. Subsequently, he deleted the photo at the insistence of PEB members.
PS 38/056 Federal Republic of Germany, Bremen. At 1:50 PM, a voter photographed the ballot. Subsequently, he deleted the photo at the insistence of an electoral commission member.
PS 01/103 Chișinău, Buiucani. At 2:45 PM, a female voter photographed the ballot while in the voting booth. She was asked by a PEB member to delete the photo as it was a violation. The woman complied and deleted it.
PS 10/4 Căușeni. An individual took a photo inside the booth, which was observed by an SAIS Elections operator. The PEB president noticed and asked the voter to delete the photo. Ultimately, the photo was deleted, and the president checked the phone with the person’s consent.
PS 38/179 Romania, Bucharest. At 2:47 PM, inside the polling station, one of the voters was observed attempting to photograph the ballot in the voting booth. The PEB president intervened and informed the voter that he was not allowed to photograph the ballot. The voter’s reaction was calm; he deleted the photo and left.
PS 04/03 Anenii Noi. At 3:07 PM, a voter, after stamping his ballot, took a photo of it. Despite the intervention and requests of PEB members, he did not delete the photo.
PS 38/228 Turkey, Istanbul. A female voter photographed the ballot showing her vote, and upon being alerted by PEB members, she deleted the photos from her phone, claiming she did not know that photographing the ballot was not allowed.
PS 38/56 Federal Republic of Germany, Bremen. At 12:00 PM, a voter photographed the ballot showing his vote. At the request of a PEB member, he complied and deleted the photo.
PS 38/83 Ireland, Cork. A female voter, upon exiting the voting booth, mentioned that she had photographed her already stamped ballot to show it to her granddaughter in the Netherlands. The voter also stated that she had voted for a specific candidate. None of the PEB members reacted to the action, and the voter left the polling station.
PS 01/207 Chișinău, Rîșcani. A voter attempted to photograph the ballot. The secretary of the PEB, noticing this behavior, made a note to the voter. As a result, the voter hid her phone; however, after the secretary moved away, she continued to photograph the next section of the ballot. The PEB president did not intervene.
PS 10/7 Căușeni. Inside the polling station, a voter photographed the ballot with the stamp applied. A PEB member requested that he delete the photo, and the citizen complied.
PS 38/114 Republic of Italy, Verona. Between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM, three voters attempted to photograph their ballots. A PEB member intervened and informed one voter that this was not allowed.
PS 38/170 Republic of Poland, Warsaw. At 12:36 PM, a voter photographed the ballot while in the voting booth. PEB members did not notice this incident.
PS 25/12 Orhei. At 2:31 PM, a voter photographed the ballot with the stamp applied. A PEB member requested that he delete the photo, and the citizen complied.
PS 37/19, Dubăsari, Cocieri. At 3:31 PM, a voter entered the voting booth and took out his phone to take a photo, but a PEB member reminded him that this was not allowed. The voter put his phone back in his pocket and voted.
PS 38/180 Romania, Bucharest. At 3:49 PM, a female voter was caught photographing her ballot, stating that she was unaware of the prohibition against photography. She was asked to delete the photo, and the voter complied.
PS 38/1 Republic of Austria, Vienna. At 2:42 PM, a voter photographed the ballot. A PEB member informed the voter about the prohibition against photographing the ballot. The voter eventually deleted the photo.
PS 38/228 Republic of Turkey, Istanbul. A female voter photographed the ballot, and upon being observed, she was requested to delete the photo. The voter complied afterward.
PS 10/7, Căușeni. At 4:10 PM, a voter photographed the ballot. Eventually, the voter claimed to have deleted the photo, but the PEB member was unaware of the details regarding the deletion.
PS 01/278 Chișinău, Bubuieci. A voter photographed the ballot after applying the stamp. The PEB president noticed this, and the photo was deleted.
PS 02/38 Bălți. At 2:20 PM, a female voter photographed the ballot. Upon observation by the PEB members, she reacted aggressively, stating that she “would not comply with their requests.” The voter left with the photo on her phone, and the PEB members did not take further action.
PS 38/228 Republic of Turkey, Istanbul. A female voter photographed her ballot, and a PEB member intervened and asked her to delete the photos. The voter complied.
PS 01/251 Chișinău, Codru. At 3:01 PM, a voter entered the voting booth and photographed the ballot without being noticed by other PEB members. He then placed the ballot in the box and left.
PS 1/28 Chișinău, Trușeni. At 3:34 PM, a voter was caught taking a photo in the voting booth using someone else’s phone. A PEB member noticed and deleted the photo.
PS 01/249 Chișinău, Codru. A voter photographed his ballot with his smartphone. After PEB members immediately noted this, the voter appeared to delete the image from his phone.
PS 02/30 Bălți. At 3:50 PM, a voter photographed the ballot with the stamp applied. A PEB member requested that he delete the photo, and the citizen complied.
PS 36/52 UTAG, Congazcicul de Sus. At 3:53 PM, a voter photographed the ballot with the stamp applied. A PEB member requested that he delete the photo, and the citizen complied.
PS 38/72, Hellenic Republic, Athens. At 4:50 PM, a female voter intended to photograph her ballot but was observed by a PEB member and warned that this was not allowed. Ultimately, the voter complied.
PS 38/72, Hellenic Republic, Athens. At 5:00 PM, a female voter intended to photograph her ballot. However, she was observed by a PEB member and warned that photographing was prohibited.
PS 01/284 Chișinău, Ciorescu. At 4:40 PM, a voter took a photo of the ballot. Upon request from PEB members, the photo was deleted.
PS 38/112 Republic of Italy, Venice. At 3:53 PM, a female voter photographed her ballot, being observed by other voters and warned that photographing ballots was prohibited. The president of the PEB requested the voter to delete the photo.
PS 38/56 Federal Republic of Germany, Bremen. At 4:10 PM, a voter photographed the ballot. He later deleted the photo at the insistence of a PEB member.
PS 02/24 Bălți. At 4:44 PM, a voter photographed the ballot with the stamp applied. A PEB member requested that he delete the photo, and the citizen complied.
PS 38/46 Federal Republic of Germany, Berlin. At 4:45 PM, a voter was caught photographing the ballot. At the request of a PEB member, the voter deleted the ballot photos both from the phone gallery and from the recycle bin.
PS 38/125 Republic of Italy, Reggio Emilia. At 4:14 PM, a voter took a photo of the ballots. At the request of the president of the PEB, the voter deleted the photo.
PS 38/125 Republic of Italy, Reggio Emilia. At 3:50 PM, a voter photographed the ballots after voting. Therefore, he was warned, and the voter had to delete the photo from his phone.
PS 01/117 Chișinău, Centru. At 4:10 PM, a female voter, while in the voting booth, photographed the ballots. There was no reaction from the PEB members.
PS 21/49 Ialoveni, Văsieni. In the voting station, one of the voting booths is positioned very close to the observers’ seats, so the observer next to the booth could easily see the voter’s choice. After the observers addressed this, the president of the PEB remedied the issue.
PS 38/125 Republic of Italy, Reggio Emilia. A voter photographed the ballots. The photo was deleted after the PEB president requested it.
PS 01/137 Chișinău, Centru. At 5:25 PM, a female voter photographed the ballot. At the request of the PEB president, the photo was deleted.
PS 30/03 Strășeni. At 4:25 PM, a voter photographed the ballot with the stamp applied. The PEB members requested that he delete the photo, and the citizen complied.
PS 1/116 Chișinău, Centru. The ballot was photographed; at the request of a PEB member, the photo was deleted.
PS 1/114 Chișinău, Centru. A voter photographed the ballot. At the request of the PEB president, the photo was deleted.
PS 4/3 Anenii Noi. At 3:56 PM, a female voter in the voting booth took a photo of the ballot. The PEB president stopped the person to delete the photo. The photo was deleted.
PS 8/10, Cantemir, Capaclia. A voter was caught photographing the ballot. The PEB members noticed the incident and, together with the PEB president, took measures, asking the voter to delete the photos from the phone.
PS 1/123, Chișinău, Centru. A voter photographed the ballot. The police were called. The voter left accompanied by the police.
PS 07/06 Cahul. At 4:35 PM, a voter photographed the ballot in the voting booth. He left the voting station without being asked to delete the photo.
PS 16/1, Edineț. At 4:30 PM, a voter photographed the ballots. The PEB president requested to see the phone. The photos were deleted.
PS 38/125 Republic of Italy, Reggio Emilia. At 4:27 PM, a voter photographed the ballots. At the request of the PEB president, the voter deleted the photos.
PS 1/251, Chișinău, Codru. A voter photographed the ballot. At the request of the PEB president, the photo was deleted.
PS 16/47 Edineț, Tîrnova. At 5:30 PM, a voter was observed in the voting station photographing the ballot. At the verbal observation of the PEB secretary, the voter denied his action, put the ballot in the box, and left.
PS 1/284, Chișinău, Ciorescu. At 5:30 PM, a voter photographed the ballot. At the request of the PEB president, the photo was deleted.
PS 38/125 Republic of Italy, Reggio Emilia. At 4:52 PM, a voter photographed the ballot. After being warned, he deleted the photo in the presence of the PEB president.

Unjustified group voting – 22 cases. Voting must be conducted in a secret and freely expressed manner. Group voting undermines these principles and may facilitate control over the voting process or exert undue influence on the voter.

PS 1/040 Chișinău, Botanica. At 11:33, two elderly voters (husband and wife) cast their votes in a single voting booth. Following discussions among the short-term observers (STO), PEB members, and other observers, it was determined that the husband did not have any visual impairments. The PEB president authorized them to vote alongside each other.
PS 01/259 Chișinău, Durlești. At 11:36, two individuals unjustifiably voted together in a group. An observer issued a warning, prompting the individuals to separate. The PEB president did not notice the incident.
PS 02/45 Bălți. A husband and wife voted together unjustifiably in a single voting booth. PEB members instructed them to adhere to the confidentiality of the voting process as per established regulations.
PS 11/12 Cimișlia, Albina. One voter experienced difficulties completing the voting process and spent an excessive amount of time in the voting booth. After a while, the PEB president requested assistance from another voter, who turned out to be the voter’s wife. The voter showed no signs of visual impairment or other difficulties.
PS 01/258, Chișinău, Durlești. At 13:40, two individuals were present in a voting booth discussing whom to vote for. The PEB president intervened, reminding them to separate into distinct booths in accordance with privacy regulations.
PS 32/15 Ștefan Vodă, Feștelița. At 13:54, two women entered the same voting booth without justification and consulted each other regarding their voting choices. They were observed by the president and members of the PEB, who issued a warning, after which the women proceeded to different booths.
PS 25/27 Orhei, Clișova. A husband and wife unjustifiably voted in the same booth. PEB members did not take any action to rectify the situation.
PS 37/020 Coșnița, Dubăsari. At 13:44, two voters entered the same voting booth to cast their votes. The PEB president did not react to this incident.
PS 38/46 Federal Republic of Germany, Berlin. Two female voters entered the voting booth together, citing that one of them could not read. The PEB president noted this and requested that they move to separate booths. The ballots that had been marked were annulled, and the voters were issued new ballots, instructed to vote independently.
PS 25/48 Orhei, Mîrzești. A husband and wife voted together unjustifiably in a single voting booth. The PEB president’s attempt to intervene was unsuccessful.
PS 38/63 Federal Republic of Germany, Stuttgart. A voter entered the voting booth accompanied by his partner. PEB members observed this minor incident and requested them to separate. The voter appeared visibly disturbed but complied with the request.
PS 20/15 Hîncești, Caracui. Two voters unjustifiably entered the same voting booth, discussing whom to vote for. PEB members did not intervene, but the voters eventually proceeded to vote in separate booths.
PS 01/226, Chișinău, Rîșcani. At 15:32, a Promo-LEX observer noted that two individuals were voting together in a booth, despite having no visible health issues that would justify voting assistance. PEB members did not react.
PS 02/24 Bălți. At 15:59, two female voters entered the polling station and moved towards adjacent voting booths. One of them started instructing the other, pointing on the ballot where to place the stamp. When PEB members intervened, the voter replied, “I showed her how to vote for what I know, not what you want.”
PS 1/270 Chișinău, Vatra. At 16:35, while voting in her booth, a female voter approached the adjacent booth, where her husband was voting, to inquire whom he was voting for. Upon being noticed, she was instructed to return to her own booth, which she did.
PS 21/049 Ialoveni, Văsieni. At 15:17, a couple voted together in the same booth. The PEB president observed this but did not take action, instead commenting that “the love between these two is so strong that they vote together.”
PS 36/49 UTAG, Congaz. Two voters voted in the same booth. PEB members did not react to the situation.
PS25/66 Orhei, Puțintei. Two voters entered the same booth, with one attempting to instruct the other on where to vote. The PEB president’s intervention was ignored.
PS 7/46, Cahul, Lebedenco. Two individuals unjustifiably voted as a group. After a warning from the PEB secretary, the voters complied and cast their votes independently.
PS 36/9, ATUG, Comrat. Two voters cast their votes in the same booth. Despite the PEB president’s observations, they did not respond or separate.
PS 01/299 Chișinău, Trușeni. Two voters capable of voting independently were observed in the same voting booth. A PEB member issued a warning.
PS 25/07 Orhei. At 16:36, a father and son voted together in the same booth, with the son casting the vote on behalf of his father. The father had previously signed the electoral list on his own.

Restricted access for observers and obstruction of free observation in the polling station – 1 cases. It is imperative that observers can monitor the electoral process to uphold transparency and integrity.

PS 01/204, Chisinau, Rîșcani. At 09:37, within the polling station, I attempted to stand up to observe the activities taking place around the station. However, the PEB president stopped me, informing me that I was not permitted to move around. After discussing the matter with other PEB members and observers, the PEB president no longer intervened regarding my actions.

Incidents related to vote influencing

Rumors, attempts or even situations of material or monetary rewards offered to voters in the 100 m perimeter of the polling station to determine the voters’ vote – 6 cases. Such practices are strictly prohibited and pose a significant threat to the integrity of the electoral process.

PS 37, Left Bank of the Dniester, Cocieri. At 13:36, near the village of Cocieri’s elderly care home, Promo-LEX observers spoke with several groups of 4-5 people exiting the facility. These individuals revealed that they had been instructed by a social worker from the Placement Center for People with Disabilities to vote for a specific candidate, with the promise of receiving financial compensation afterward. Nearby polling stations include PS 37/18, PS 37/19, and PS 15/2.
PS 10/1, Căușeni. At 15:00, some voters mentioned that 400 lei was being offered in exchange for voting, though no specific candidate was mentioned. Additionally, at the polling station in the village of Hagimus, Căușeni district, voters were reportedly being transported to the station and offered 350 lei to vote in favor of a candidate supported by a political party.
PS 4/5, Anenii Noi, Hîrbovățul Nou. Within 100 meters of the polling station, a voter approached an observer, asking if they were the person who had promised 1,000 lei for their vote.
PS 37/8, Left Bank of the Dniester. Near the polling station, a Promo-LEX observer was mistaken for someone representing a presidential candidate and was asked for the 500 lei promised in exchange for a vote for a specific candidate.
PS 37/5, Left Bank of the Dniester. In a local shop, a representative of a political entity was reportedly offering 500 lei in exchange for a vote for a particular candidate.
PS 6/1, Briceni. Between 13:00 and 14:00, a voter raised concerns that in the adjacent voting booth, a person was photographing their ballot and would receive 200 lei upon exiting the polling station. PEB members became involved, but no one witnessed the act of photographing. The police were called to the scene, and the PEB president was questioned.

Organized transport of voters (coaches, minibuses or other transport units that would not tipically be present around) – 3 cases. Adhering to this prohibition is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

PS 37/24-37/25, Left Bank of the Dniester, Sănătăuca. At 09:30, 11:00, and 13:05, in Sănătăuca, Florești district, Promo-LEX observers noted a Volkswagen Sharan vehicle with registration number K933AM transporting passengers to PS 37/24 and PS 37/25. When approached by Promo-LEX observers, both the driver and passengers refused to respond to any questions.
PS 10/1, Căușeni. At 15:00, several voters residing in Bender reported that transportation was being organized to facilitate voting at the polling station in Calfa, Anenii Noi district.
PS 23/34, Nisporeni, Șișcani. At 11:20, a minibus was observed transporting voters from the villages of Odaia and Afumați to Șișcani, to vote at the polling station. When asked by a Promo-LEX observer about the cost of the trip, one of the passengers, who had just disembarked, stated that they had not paid for the transport and were unaware of who had organized it.

Incidents of intimidation or acts of violence involving voters, PEB members, observers, media, or other persons – 4 cases. Intimidation can take various forms, ranging from verbal threats to physical violence, and can significantly impact participants in the electoral process.

PS 1/202 Chișinău, Rîșcani. At 14:25, a voter approached the Promo-LEX observer inside the polling station, expressing dissatisfaction and reproaching the observer for not filing complaints, not providing explanations, and not informing voters of their right to decide whether or not to sign for the referendum. The voter caused a significant disturbance, filming inside the polling station. Upon the PEB president’s request, the voter left the polling station but continued to argue outside. In response, the PEB president called the police and awaited their arrival.
PS 36/34 ATUG, Beșalma. At 14:55, a voter in a state of intoxication entered the polling station, asking several questions to PEB members and expressing dissatisfaction with their answers. The voter damaged ballot papers in the voting booth using a pen and then attempted to leave the polling station with the ballots. Following the intervention and request of the PEB members, the voter threw the ballots into the ballot box.
PS 9/8 Călărași. At 12:27, an intoxicated citizen entered the polling station, looking for reasons to argue and disrupt the peace, refusing to leave the premises. The police intervened, and the citizen eventually exited the polling station.
PS 36/11 ATUG, Comrat. At 15:33, an elderly voter entered the polling station with her son, attempting to vote together in the same booth, arguing that she had vision problems. The PEB members offered her a magnifying glass, which she refused, displaying aggressive behavior. She tore up the ballots, trying to throw some pieces into the ballot box. The PEB president requested her to hand over the damaged ballots and simultaneously called the police. The voter ignored the request, throwing some ballot pieces inside the polling station and taking the rest with her. Upon exiting, she was stopped by the police and, at their request, returned the remaining pieces to the PEB president. An official report was filed.

Incidents related to the organization of voting process

Ballot boxes were not sealed according to legal procedures/ broken/ damaged or missing seals on ballot boxes – 11 cases. According to existing legislation, ballot boxes must be secured with four seals to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

PS 14/024, Drochia, Mândâc. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed with only 3 seals instead of the required 4. The PEB president explained that the 4th seal would be used for the bag containing the ballot papers.
PS 22/011, Leova, Băiuș. The stationary ballot box had only 2 seals, and the backup ballot box was not sealed.
PS 14/044, Drochia, Șuri. The polling station had 7 seals for 2 stationary ballot boxes and one mobile box. The PEB president decided to seal the stationary boxes with 3 seals each and the mobile box with the remaining seal, justifying this by the large number of ballot papers that wouldn’t fit in one box.
PS 11/45, Cimișlia, Troițcoe. One stationary ballot box was missing a seal. The PEB president explained this was due to a shortage of available seals.
PS 13/13, Dondușeni, Frasin. Two stationary ballot boxes were improperly sealed, with only 2 seals applied to each box.
PS 13/25, Dondușeni, Tîrnova. At 12:22, two stationary ballot boxes were observed to be improperly sealed, each with only 2 seals.
PS 16/8, Edineț. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed with 3 seals each. The PEB president stated that this was the maximum number of seals they had received.
PS 20/44, Hîncești, Mereșeni. A stationary ballot box had only 2 seals. Upon the observer’s notification, the PEB president applied 2 more seals.
PS 7/43, Cahul, Iujnoe. The stationary ballot box had only 3 seals. The PEB president mentioned that they were unaware of the requirement for 4 seals, and no additional seal was applied.
PS 21/18, Ialoveni, Gangura. The ballot box was sealed with only 3 seals instead of 4. The PEB president did not provide an explanation, although 2 seals were still available.
PS 01/080, Chișinău, Buiucani. At 16:35, the PEB president identified a ballot box sealed with only 3 seals. After discussing with the PEB members, it was attributed to their oversight. The issue was corrected, and the seal was properly applied.

Inadequate storage of undistributed ballots, which were not kept in a secure safe or cabinet within the polling station – 7 cases. It is important to note that undistributed ballots must be stored in accordance with legal regulations to ensure the integrity and security of the electoral process.

PS 38/12, Canada, Montreal. Undistributed ballots are not stored in a safe or cabinet but are instead kept in an open space on shelves.
PS 38/215, United States of America, Chicago. The ballot papers are not stored in a safe or cabinet, but are placed in a box on the floor next to the wall.
PS 7/39, Drochia, Găvănoasa. The undistributed ballots, intended for PEB members, are kept in an open bag near the PEB president’s table, rather than in a safe or cabinet.
PS 25/49, Orhei, Mîrzești. At 12:52, the undistributed ballots were left in plain sight on open shelves within the polling station, near the PEB president.
PS 7/37, Cahul, Doina. The undistributed ballots are kept on the PEB president’s table. The president mentioned that there is no safe available for secure storage.
PS 21/19, Ialoveni, Gangura. The undistributed ballots are stored on the PEB president’s table, as there is no safe or cabinet available.
PS 21/18, Ialoveni, Gangura. The PEB does not have a safe, so the ballot papers are placed on tables. As of 17:37, the papers were still visible on tables and chairs.

Interruption of the filming process for electoral operations throughout the voting day – 16 cases. Any disruption in filming can raise suspicions and undermine public confidence in the integrity of the elections.

PS 34/44 Telenești, Zgărdești: Between 13:30 and 15:00, the video recording process was interrupted due to the memory card of the video camera reaching its capacity.
PS 16/47, Edineț, Tîrnova: At 12:43, during the insertion of a ballot into the box, the voter received assistance from the ballot box operator. The positioning of this individual was directly in front of the video camera, which limited the recording of the ballot insertion process. To date, this violation has not been identified by the members or the president of the PEB, as most members were on a lunch break.
PS 11/25 Cimișlia, Gura Galbenei: At 15:20, members of the PEB members became aware that the video camera was non-operational (the interruption occurred approximately 30 minutes prior to the scheduled observation time). Filming resumed at 15:23.
PS 12/38 Criuleni, Zăicana: At 14:40, the video camera ceased recording due to a full memory capacity. The PEB president promptly informed the CEC about this issue and completed a formal report.
PS 21/32 Ialoveni, Puhoi: Around 15:25, an interruption in the filming of the voting process was detected. The issue remained unresolved by 15:55.
PS 29/32 Soroca, Holoșnița: The video recording of the voting process did not commence upon the opening of the polling station due to the memory card being full. As of 15:30, the issue had not been rectified.
PS 29/027 Soroca, Cremenciug: At 14:02, upon the entry of Promo-LEX observers into the polling station, it was noted that the camera was not connected. Following a discussion with the PEB president, it was revealed that the camera had operated for two hours post-opening of the polling station before being turned off. It is scheduled to be reconnected only upon the closing of the polling station.
PS 22/013 Leova, Băiuș: At 16:21, while the mobile team was present in the polling station, the video camera was actively recording the voting process. Data from the camera indicated that it had recorded for only five hours.
PS 6/31 Briceni, Medveja: At the time of the observer’s arrival at 12:05, the video camera was found to be disconnected. The PEB president acknowledged the oversight and proceeded to reconnect the camera.
PS 17/15 Fălești, Călugăr: Upon the observer’s arrival at 11:57, it was noted that the video camera was non-operational. The PEB president reported this situation to the CEC, after which a formal report was generated regarding the incident.
PS 20/56 Hîncești, Pogănești: At 13:46, upon the observer’s arrival, it was observed that the video camera was not functioning. Neither the president nor the PEB members were aware of this issue. After being alerted, the camera was activated at 14:11.
PS 2/39 Bălți: The video camera was operational only between 07:00 and 07:05. The president of the PEB contacted CECE 2 and prepared a formal report. As of now, the issue remains unresolved.
PS 22/16, Leova, Borogani: Upon the arrival of the mobile team at 14:46, it was observed that the video camera was non-functional. The PEB president was informed of the situation, and the camera was subsequently restarted.
PS 18/52, Florești, Putinești: One of the SAIS Elections operators disconnected the video camera, stating that it would be reconnected during the vote counting process.
PS 20/61, Hîncești, Sărata Galbenă: At 15:37, it was noted that the video camera was not recording the voting process. The PEB president was informed, and she indicated that the memory was full and she had not noticed the issue. Subsequently, no remedial actions were taken by the PEB president.
PS 11/17 Cimișlia, Ciucur-Mingir: Upon arrival at 16:45, it was noted that the video camera was powered off. Following the notification, the PEB president activated the camera.

Deficiencies in the operation of SAIS Elections (suspension of operation; situations when SAIS Elections indicates that the voter voted, and he claims that he did not vote) – 12 cases. În situația în care SIAS Alegeri devine nefuncțional, pot apărea blocaje în procesul de înregistrare a alegătorilor, care se prezintă la vot. Rolul acestui sistem este inclusiv de a preveni votarea multiplă.

PS 02/38 Bălți: Between 07:00 and 10:00, the computer experienced a lack of internet connectivity, rendering the SAIS Elections system non-functional. Operators from Moldtelecom were summoned to address this issue. Consequently, the voting process was disrupted, leading to congestion within the polling station.
PS 25/04 Orhei: At 13:50, deficiencies in the operation of the SAIS Elections system were identified, which persisted for a duration of 28 minutes. Following intervention by representatives from Moldtelecom, the issue was rectified, attributed to a loose wire connection. During this period, the voting process remained unaffected.
PS 38/112 Republic of Italy, Venice: At 12:54, an operator from SAIS Elections encountered operational difficulties with the computer, resulting in the functionality of only one unit. This situation led to a slowdown in the voting process, thereby increasing congestion outside the polling station. The PEB president promptly communicated with superiors regarding the issue.
PS 38/226 Kingdom of Sweden, Stockholm: The SAIS Elections system was non-functional from 07:00 to 07:17 due to technical difficulties reported by multiple operators (the CEC was notified, and communication occurred via Viber). The issue stemmed from login difficulties, which were resolved by 07:17. Only one voter experienced a wait of approximately 15 minutes before being able to cast their ballot.
PS 38/154 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, London: The SAIS Elections operational system was temporarily inoperative for a period of 10 minutes between 11:20 and 11:30 due to technical deficiencies, which were swiftly addressed.
PS 35/01 Ungheni: A voter approached the SAIS Elections operators for identification verification. The operators informed the voter that, according to the information system, he had already cast his ballot. The voter disputed this assertion. Subsequently, the PEB president forwarded the identification details to the CEC for verification.
PS 01/104 Chișinău, Buiucani: At approximately 14:40, one of the operators reported issues with the SAIS Elections system, attributed to a weak internet connection. Although the connection was restored, intermittent disruptions continued. The issue was addressed through remediation of the connection.
PS 02/38 Bălți: Between 14:01 and 15:15, at least five voters were unable to be located within the SAIS Elections system, despite valid residence registrations in proximity to the polling station. These voters were allowed to cast their ballots, being incorporated into the supplementary lists.
PS 01/277 Chișinău, Bubuieci: At 16:15, two individuals presented themselves at the polling station, identified by SAIS Elections operators as lacking residence status, despite their identity documents indicating otherwise. The PEB president was notified, and the individuals were subsequently added to the supplementary list, enabling them to exercise their right to vote.
PS 26/29 Rezina, Peciște: Within the polling station, there were periodic interruptions to the internet connection. During these outages, SAIS Elections operators recorded the names of voters, which were later entered into the system once connectivity was restored.
PS 2/39 Bălți: A voter was not found in the SAIS Elections system, despite presenting valid residence registration. The voter cast their ballot on the supplementary list. The PEB president noted that this was not an isolated incident, with a minimum of 12 similar cases documented.
PS 2/20 Bălți: Three voters were not identified within the SAIS Elections system. They had correctly presented their residence registrations at the polling station and were permitted to vote using the supplementary lists.

Irregularities in the electoral lists – 25 cases.

PS 24/10 Ocnița, Bîrlădeni: Several voters residing in Bîrlădeni, Ocnița were not found on the primary electoral lists, necessitating their voting via supplementary lists.
PS 32/27 Ștefan Vodă, Ștefănești: One voter was identified in the SAIS Elections system but was not present on the primary lists, despite their identity document matching the polling station address. The voter cast their ballot by being included in the supplementary lists.
PS 29/04 Soroca: An incident occurred where a voter mistakenly signed on behalf of another individual, leading to the documentation of the error in an official report.
PS 1/231 Chișinău, Rîșcani: At 12:39, a female voter sought to cast her ballot but was not listed on the primary electoral list, even though her registered address corresponds to the polling station. The secretary registered her on the supplementary list, allowing her to vote.
PS 01/131 Chișinău, Centru: By 14:04, four cases were noted where voters could not be located on the primary electoral list. Based on their identity documents, they voted on the supplementary list.
PS 01/239 Chișinău, Rîșcani: A voter presented himself to vote, stating that he had resided in Chișinău for an extended period and had always voted at polling station 1/239. His wife and children were listed on the primary electoral list, but he did not appear in either the SAIS system or the electoral lists. The PEB president advised him to contact the CEC to report the incident.
PS 26/40 Rezina, Țareuca: At 14:00, a voter who had lived in the locality for many years could not be identified in the SAIS Elections system or on the primary electoral lists. After a brief discussion, he was allowed to vote, being registered on the supplementary list.
PS 25/69 Orhei, Seliște: At 14:03, a voter was unable to find himself on the primary electoral list, despite the address on his identification documents corresponding to the polling station. He cast his vote by being included in the supplementary lists.
PS 15/08 Dubăsari, Holercani: Two individuals with the same name were recorded in the lists, one in place of the other; this did not affect their right to vote, as both were able to exercise their voting rights.
PS 30/06 Strășeni: At 15:18, a citizen arrived to vote but was marked as having no residence in the SAIS Elections system. His address was assigned to this electoral sector. The voter successfully cast his ballot on the supplementary list.
PS 01/086 Chișinău, Buiucani: Approximately ten voters (up to 15:00) who resided at this polling station were not found on the primary electoral lists. They were subsequently added to the supplementary lists.
PS 1/13 Chișinău, Centru: At 14:52, a couple, owners of the apartment where they reside, claimed that the primary list included the name of a deceased individual who had the same address, dating back over 20 years. They had previously notified both the CEC and the passport office regarding this issue but had not received any updates or changes.
PS 01/048 Chișinău, Botanica: At 14:48, four voters could not be identified on the electoral lists, despite having valid residence registrations in the locality. The PEB president included these voters on the supplementary lists.
PS 1/144 Chișinău, Centru: At 15:35, a female voter claimed to have found the name of a stranger listed at her residential address. The voter expressed frustration. The PEB president advised her to contact the ASP. A representative from the PSRM intervened, and after a brief discussion, persuaded the voter to file a complaint. The voter, assisted by the PEB president, began to draft the complaint. However, after checking the list, she destroyed the document she had written without explanation and left.
PS 01/001 Chișinău, Botanica: According to an observer, at 14:30 and again at 14:55, two voters who resided at this polling station voted but were not listed on the primary electoral lists. The voters were incorporated into the supplementary lists by the PEB members.
PS 1/99 Chișinău, Buiucani: At 16:20, a voter approached to exercise their right to vote and noticed that a relative who had passed away some time ago was listed on the electoral list.
PS 1/171 Chișinău, Ciocana: At 16:35, a female voter informed the observers that she could not find her name on the electoral list, despite having lived at the same address for 25 years. She faced a similar issue during the previous elections. The president of the PEB indicated that this situation was beyond their jurisdiction, and consequently, the voter could not exercise her voting rights.
PS 10/4 Căușeni: An agitated individual approached the PEB president, stating that her family members had long since left the Republic of Moldova for Romania and had even passed away there, yet they remained on the electoral lists.
PS 16/3, Edineț: At 16:40, a voter arrived to cast their ballot but was not registered on the electoral lists for the polling station, despite having an unmodified residence registration. The secretary of the PEB registered the voter on the supplementary lists and provided him with the ballots for voting.
PS 2/46 Bălți: Two voters could not be found on the electoral lists, even though they were supposed to vote at this polling station according to their address. The PEB president included them in the supplementary lists.
PS 4/9, Anenii Noi, Bulboaca: A voter could not be found on the primary electoral list. He voted on the supplementary list.
PS 01/115 Chișinău, Centru: A voter identified that an individual who had already exercised their right to vote was listed at his address on the primary electoral list. According to the apartment owner, he did not know this individual. A complaint was filed regarding this case and registered with the PEB president.
PS 01/258 Chișinău, Durlești: At 16:58, a female voter who could not find herself on the primary electoral list presented herself, despite being associated with this polling station according to her identity documents. She voted on the supplementary list.
PS 10/1 Căușeni: At 17:00, it was discovered that a voter was not listed among the eligible voters. Subsequently, the individual was registered on the supplementary list.
PS 01/102 Chișinău, Buiucani: Two female voters identified deceased individuals, who had been deceased for an extended period, listed on the electoral lists as their spouses. The PEB president informed them that the deadline for verifying electoral lists had expired, but that this could be addressed in accordance with Article 62 of the Electoral Code.

Other – 26 cases.

02/54 Bălți: An elector damaged and tore their ballot pertaining to the constitutional referendum. The PEB president promptly collected the damaged ballot and deposited it in the ballot box in its current condition.
PS 01/143 Chișinău, Centru: At 12:30, an individual entered the voting section and commenced photographing the proceedings. An observer from Promo-LEX informed him that photography was prohibited within the voting area. He responded that he had not observed any signage prohibiting such actions and asserted his constitutional right to film in public spaces. The observer subsequently alerted the PEB president, who, upon inspecting the entrance, confirmed the absence of prohibitory signage. Following further discussion with the individual in question, the PEB president acknowledged his concerns and instituted the installation of signage to prohibit photography in the voting section.
PS 01/162 Chișinău, Ciocana: An elector affixed stickers labeled “Votat” instead of applying the official “Votat” stamp to the ballots. A member of the PEB documented the incident, rendering the submitted ballots invalid. The elector was then issued two new ballots to ensure proper voting with the official stamp.
PS 30/04 Strășeni: At approximately 13:10, an elector experienced a medical emergency and managed only to sign the electoral register without casting a vote. A member of the PEB summoned an ambulance for assistance, and the president subsequently annulled the ballots issued.
PS 38/110 Republic of Italy, Padova: A member of the PEB was engaged in interviewing voters and PEB members alike, posing questions such as, “What prompted your participation in the vote?” and “Are you taking part in the referendum?” This member actively encouraged individuals to exercise their right to vote from 07:00 until the present time, expressing a desire to continue these interviews and recordings until the close of the voting day.
PS 01/204 Chișinău, Rîșcani: At 12:46, two voters arrived at the voting section in an intoxicated state. Both individuals entered a single voting booth and attempted to pocket a ballot. A member of the PEB stationed by the ballot box observed the incident and intervened. Upon explanation of the voting procedures by the PEB president, the individuals calmed down and proceeded to vote without further violations.
PS 02/24 Bălți: At 14:01, a voter placed only one ballot into the ballot box, intending to exit the voting section with the second ballot. This action was observed by the SAIS Elections operators, who requested that the voter submit the second ballot into the ballot box, a request that was ultimately complied with.
PS 01/231 Chișinău, Rîșcani: At 13:01, an elector attempted to vote using a passport; however, the PEB president declined this request, indicating that only an identity card was acceptable for voting. Consequently, the elector was unable to cast their vote.
PS 01/019 Chișinău, Botanica: At 13:40, a voter placed only one of the two ballots (the presidential ballot) into the ballot box and attempted to conceal the referendum ballot under their clothing. The PEB president noticed this behavior and insisted that the voter submit the referendum ballot as well.
PS 01/010 Chișinău, Botanica: Around 13:00, an elderly voter inadvertently damaged the referendum ballot. As the observer was on break, no specific evidence or details were recorded. The PEB president requested police intervention to address the situation. Consequently, the incident was documented by law enforcement, and appropriate sanctions will be applied.
PS 25/73 Orhei, Susleni: At 13:58, a voter entered one of the four voting booths and reported to the PEB members that the “Votat” stamp was missing, suggesting it had been stolen. As a result, the affected booth was removed from service, leaving three functional booths available for voting.
PS 37/021 Left Bank of Dniester River, Doroțcaia: The PEB president, accompanied by other members, left the voting section to have a meal, leaving only two members present. This absence led to congestion among voters within the voting area, as noted by an observer.
PS 01/106 Chișinău, Buiucani: A voter cast their vote without initially checking in with the operators for identity verification. After voting, the PEB president guided the voter to the operators for the necessary identity confirmation.
PS 01/214 Chișinău, Râșcani: A voter observed one of the voting operators using a mobile phone concealed beneath an electoral register to trace the outline of a signature. The voter immediately reported this incident to both the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) and the police. The PEB president attempted to mediate the issue without involving the CEC or the police; however, the voter insisted on an official documentation of the case. The operator justified his actions by stating that he had made an error in the electoral register (indicating that someone had failed to sign in the required location) and was attempting to rectify the situation.
PS 21/17 Ialoveni, Dănceni: At 15:48, a voter signed the electoral register under the “Referendum” section but subsequently declared a desire to vote only in the presidential elections, refusing to accept the ballot for the referendum. A member of the PEB attempted to persuade him to accept the ballot but suggested he vote “No.” The PEB president noted “refusal” next to the voter’s name in the register.
PS 01/129 Chișinău, Centru: At 15:00, a voter signed in to receive a ballot for the presidential elections, cast their vote, and exited the voting section. Approximately ten minutes later, the voter returned and requested the ballot for the referendum. Members of the PEB asked him to sign the electoral register again and provided him with the referendum ballot. However, upon re-entering the voting section, the voter did not present himself to the SAIS Elections operators for identity verification.
PS 25/23 Orhei, Chiperceni: At 16:32, a representative of candidate Ion Chicu (PDCM) was observed conversing with several voters after they had cast their votes. The specifics of the discussion could not be determined, but it lasted approximately five minutes within the voting section before the individuals exited.
PS 21/10 Ialoveni, Bardar: A voter, who had previously requested a certificate confirming their voting rights, cast their vote. Members of the PEB overlooked the notation in the electoral register, thereby permitting the individual to vote. This oversight was later discovered, resulting in the preparation of a report regarding the incident.
PS 01/231 Chișinău, Rîscani: At 15:54, a voter removed one of the two ballots (referendum) from the voting section, claiming he had forgotten to deposit it in the ballot box. Shortly after leaving, he returned with the ballot and presented it to a PEB member, who subsequently called for the PEB president. The president displayed the unused ballot to the observers and PEB members, stating that a report would be prepared. The unused ballot was secured in the safe, and the voter did not vote on the referendum.
PS 07/12 Cahul: At 17:02, a voter attempted to exit the voting section with ballots in hand; however, this was noticed by PEB members, who requested that she return to place the ballots in the ballot box. She complied with this request.
PS 07/40 Drochia, Găvănoasa: At 10:55, the electricity in the voting section was interrupted. The PEB president contacted Premier Energy for assistance. Representatives from Premier Energy arrived shortly thereafter. The voting process continued without interruption, although the camera was non-functional. Solutions are currently being sought to rectify this incident.
PS 21/48 Ialoveni, Văsieni: Representatives from two political parties noted the presence of voters from the opening of the voting section until the current time.
PS 08/19 Cantemir, Cîșla: Between approximately 12:30 and 12:35, a voter presented himself to vote with a photocopy of his identification card. The PEB president allowed him to participate in the voting process based on this copy.
PS 07/07 Cahul: At 16:19, a voter refused to vote in the presidential elections and referendum, claiming that her signature on the electoral register would obligate her to vote against her will. Consequently, she discarded the ballots and left the voting section. The president PEB placed the two unused ballots into the ballot box.
PS 02/22 Bălți: At 16:10, while on break, an observer from Promo-LEX noticed the driver of a vehicle parked near the voting section since 06:15 filming the area. Upon making this observation, the observer reported it to the nearby police officer. As a result, the driver promptly left the vicinity of the voting section (Renault, white, license plate WPY 871).
PS 38/181 Roumania, Iași: At 17:38, within the voting section, a young voter, while at the table of a PEB member to be registered in the supplementary electoral list, photographed the list containing the personal data of previous voters. The PEB president intervened to ensure that these photographs were deleted from both the gallery and the “recently deleted” section. The young voter complied, and the incident was resolved.

For further information, please contact:

Dumitrița Ciuvaga
Comunication Officer
Promo-LEX Association
Tel: +373 68 800 827

Promo-LEX Mission for Observing the Presidential Elections and Republican Constitutional Referendum on October 20, 2024: Detailed Information on the Conduct of the Electoral Processes

20 October 2024

14:00 pm

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission (OM) for the Presidential Elections and Constitutional Referendum on October 20, 2024, notes 658 alerts reported by Promo-LEX observers until 2:00 PM. The central team of the Promo-LEX Observation Mission (OM) processed 575 of these cases as incidents, of which 309 incidents are included in this release.

According to the observers, out of a total of 614 monitored polling stations, 237 are not accessible for individuals with mobility impairments, and 346 polling stations lack heating.

In 352 polling stations, between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM, Promo-LEX observers reported incidents of overcrowding both inside and outside the polling stations.

Incidents reported during voting process:

Incidents related to the failure to maintain order in the polling station and within a 100-meter radius.

Presence of advertising materials, displays, and electoral panels within the polling station vicinity (100 meters from the polling location) – 15 cases. It is essential to emphasize that the responsibility for the removal of such advertising materials rests with the Local Public Administration (APL). This measure is designed to safeguard voters from external influences while they exercise their right to vote.

PS 22/40, Leova, Tomai: A poster soliciting citizens to vote for a particular option in the referendum was affixed to a door of the building housing the polling station (PS). The secretary of the Electoral Bureau of the Polling Station (PEB) was duly notified, and the promotional material was subsequently removed.
PS 01/296, Chișinău, Tohatin: At 07:15 AM, three banners endorsing a specific option in the referendum were identified within a 100-meter radius of the PS. Following the notification to the president of the PEB, these banners were promptly removed.
PS 8/33, Cantemir, Pleșeni: At 07:25 AM, electoral posters supporting a candidate in the presidential elections were observed within a 100-meter radius of the PS. Upon notification to the PEB president, the materials were removed in accordance with electoral regulations.
PS 18/29, Florești, Ghindești: At 06:30 AM, flyers featuring two candidates in the presidential elections were noted within a 100-meter radius of the PS. These materials were subsequently removed.
PS 11/33, Cimișlia, Lipoveni: Promotional materials advocating for an option in the constitutional referendum were displayed on the entrance door of the building housing the PS, within a 100-meter radius. The PEB president was notified, and the materials were removed.
PS 25/40, Orhei, Ivancea: Advertising materials and electoral posters related to the presidential elections were observed on the information board located approximately 10-15 meters from the PS.
PS 4/15, Anenii Noi, Chirca: Electoral flyers for a candidate in the presidential elections were present within a 100-meter radius of the PS.
PS 33/13, Taraclia, Albota de Sus: Electoral materials promoting a specific option in the referendum were located within a 100-meter radius of the PS. Upon verbal notification, the PEB president indicated that these materials would be removed; however, no action was taken within 30 minutes.
PS 21/38, Ialoveni, Ruseștii Noi: Within the premises of the PS, electoral materials promoting a specific option in the referendum were displayed. Upon verbal notification, the PEB president took immediate action to remove the materials.
PS 34/39, Telenești, Tîrșiței: Electoral posters supporting a candidate in the elections and an option in the referendum were observed within the radius of the PS. The materials were subsequently.
PS 29/20, Soroca, Căinarii Vechi: Electoral posters for two electoral candidates were displayed on an information board within a 100-meter radius of the PS. The PEB president subsequently removed these posters.
PS 22/26, Leova, Filipeni: Promotional materials supporting an option in the referendum were displayed within a 100-meter radius of the PS.
PS 11/2, Cimișlia: Two promotional materials advocating for a specific option in the referendum were observed less than 100 meters from the PS.
PS 8/1, Cantemir: Posters promoting a candidate in the presidential elections were displayed on the advertising board attached to the wall of the PS. Following notification to the PEB president, the posters were removed.
PS 37/11, Căușeni: Promotional materials supporting a specific option in the referendum were present within a 100-meter radius of the PS. The PEB did not take any action to remove the materials.

Electoral agitation or negative campaigning (PR) within the 100-meter radius and/or inside the polling station (PS) aimed at influencing voter choices – 14 cases. Electoral agitation or the dissemination of negative information (negative PR) is strictly prohibited on election day, both within the polling station and within a 100-meter radius, to prevent undue influence on voters’ decisions.

PS 38/228, Turkey, Istanbul: A voter publicly voiced opposition to a presidential candidate inside the polling station.
PS 02/24, Bălți: After receiving the ballots, a voter produced an electoral leaflet promoting a candidate from their bag. The PEB president issued a warning, after which the voter briefly complied by putting the leaflet away. However, the voter later displayed the leaflet again while voting for the candidate it promoted. After receiving a third warning from the PEB president and members, the voter finally complied.
PS 37/7, Anenii Noi, Hârbovăț: Three voters arrived to vote, with one visibly wearing a symbol indicating a preference in the referendum. The PEB president did not take any action.
PS 17/1, Fălești: A voter began shouting loudly, using offensive language directed at a presidential candidate. The PEB president requested that she calm down and leave the polling station, after which she complied.
PS 17/1, Fălești: At 09:32, a voter, upon exiting the voting booth, loudly encouraged others to vote for a specific candidate. The PEB president intervened and escorted the voter out.
PS 7/7, Cahul: At 10:28, a representative of a political party engaged in electoral agitation inside the polling station while voters were waiting in line. The PEB president issued a warning, but the representative continued to argue. This incident recurred each time a queue formed.
PS 34/27, Telenești, Mîndrești: Inside the polling station, a voter loudly announced their voting preference. The PEB president intervened and issued a warning.
PS 7/7, Cahul: A representative of a political party made statements supporting a referendum option inside the polling station. The PEB president issued a warning, which resolved the situation.
PS 37/18, Transnistria: At 07:40, a district councilor was observed near the polling station for more than 20 minutes, engaging in electoral agitation for a particular candidate.
PS 01/035, Chișinău, Botanica: Upon leaving the polling station, a voter urged another individual to support a specific political candidate. By the time the PEB president intervened, the police had already removed the voter.
PS 38/072, Greece, Athens: At 10:25, a voter, after receiving his ballots, loudly expressed support for a referendum option. The PEB members instructed him to refrain from electoral agitation.
PS 24/18, Ocnița, Gîrbova: At 11:15, a candidate’s representative, standing outside the polling station, advised at least two voters to refuse the ballots for the constitutional referendum. The PEB president and secretary issued a formal warning.
PS 37/17, Transnistria: Within 100 meters of the polling station, a voter was observed engaging in electoral agitation, urging passersby to support a particular candidate. The individual left after approximately 10 minutes.
PS 01/117, Chișinău, Centru: While waiting in line inside the polling station, a man loudly expressed support for a candidate and a referendum option multiple times. The PEB members did not intervene.

Unauthorized presence within the polling station or within a 100-meter radius – 19 cases. This restriction is in place to uphold the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, ensuring it remains free from undue influence.

PS 38/99, Republic of Italy, Milan: Two representatives of a candidate were present inside the polling station for over an hour without proper accreditation. The PEB members unanimously decided to adopt a resolution denying further access to these individuals within the polling station.
PS 01/093, Chișinău, Buiucani: At approximately 10:00, the PEB president reported to the police that a person was filming voters as they exited the polling station. Following police intervention, the individual left the area.
PS 4/27, Anenii Noi, Maximovca: A woman was observed remaining within a 100-meter radius of the polling station for an extended period (from approximately 7:20 AM until at least 10:30 AM), conversing with people entering and exiting the station, including a representative of an electoral competitor. The PEB president observed the situation but took no action.
PS 33/02, Taraclia: A group of at least five individuals was seen standing near the entrance to the polling station for approximately 10 minutes, engaging in discussions without a clear reason.
PS 20/32, Hîncești, Dancu: At 8:30 AM, an unidentified individual was observed near the entrance of the polling station, observing the station. When questioned by the PEB president, the individual claimed to be an observer, reportedly contacted by someone from Chișinău to monitor the station. Despite this claim, the individual did not provide any accreditation and left after approximately 10 minutes following the PEB president’s insistence.
PS 36/11, UTAG, Comrat: A suspicious individual was observed loitering near the polling station for an extended period, exhibiting unusual behavior such as repeatedly crossing the road without cause and conversing with people regarding voters heading to the station.
PS 33/04, Taraclia: At approximately 10:35 AM, an unauthorized individual was seen near the polling station taking photos and videos, reportedly for “Bessarabian Bulgarians.”
PS 11/40, Cimișlia, Satul Nou: A police officer was present inside the polling station from 7:40 AM to 8:10 AM. The officer did not interact with members of the PEB or voters during this time.
PS 7/19, Cahul, Andrușul de Sus: A police officer was observed inside the polling station, walking around without interacting with anyone, both inside and outside the station.
PS 18/28, Florești, Ghindești: At 9:08 AM, a supporter of a political party was seen approximately 30 meters from the polling station, photographing vehicles and individuals entering the station for approximately 30 minutes. The PEB president informed the individual that such activities were not permitted within the 100-meter radius of the polling station, after which the individual left.
PS 36/59, UTAG, Dezghingea: At 11:16 AM, unauthorized individuals claiming to be representatives of electoral competitors, but without proper accreditation, were found photographing electoral lists and filming the voting process inside the polling station. PEB members intervened and requested these individuals to leave.
PS 10/19, Căușeni, Cîrnățeni: A person was observed loitering around the polling station after having voted in the early morning. The individual entered and exited the station multiple times and interacted with voters between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. PEB members did not observe or respond to this incident.
PS 01/001, Chișinău, Botanica: Between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM, the security guard of the building where the polling station was located remained in the designated space for observers. The PEB president did not address the situation.
PS 1/241, Chișinău, Rîșcani: At 7:30 AM, the security guard of the building was present in a designated space with a glass door within the premises of the polling station, yet physically inside the station.
PS 38/050, Federal Republic of Germany, Frankfurt am Main: An individual claiming to be a representative of a candidate attempted to enter the polling station to observe the voting process but presented an unregistered request. The PEB president reviewed the request and denied access. The individual remained outside, counting the voters entering the station.
PS 36/50, UTAG, Congaz: At 9:32 AM, an unauthorized individual was reported inside the polling station, engaging in conversations with voters without casting a vote. The PEB members did not intervene.
PS 1/80, Chișinău, Buiucani: At 11:37 AM, a man entered the polling station twice with different individuals, instructing them on what to do. After being warned, the man exited with both individuals after they voted. A Promo-LEX observer noted that the man took something from his wallet and handed it to one of the individuals.
PS 27/03, Rîșcani: At 11:45 AM, a voter remained inside the polling station for more than 20 minutes after voting. The PEB president issued a warning, which led to an exchange of words between the two. The police were called, after which the individual left the premises.
PS 1/80, Chișinău, Buiucani: At 11:40 AM, an individual affiliated with a political organization was observed several times near the polling station. The PEB president did not notice this activity.

Violations of ballot secrecy (photographing marked ballots, displaying the marked ballots; improper placement of ballots that allows visibility of voter choices) – 60 cases. Voters are prohibited from taking photos of their marked ballots, showing their ballots, and placing ballots in the ballot box in a manner that makes their voting choices visible.

PS 01/259, Chișinău, Durlești: At 07:47, a voter was observed taking a photograph of their ballot. The PEB president was not present at the time. Despite being instructed to delete the photograph, the voter refused to comply and left the polling station.
PS 38/228, Republic of Turkey, Istanbul: A political party representative leaned towards a voting booth to assist a voter who reported that the stamp lacked sufficient ink. The representative confirmed the issue, inadvertently seeing the voter’s selection in the process.
PS 01/035, Chișinău, Botanica: A voter was observed photographing their ballot. Upon the request of the PEB president, the voter deleted the photograph.
PS 38/180, Romania, Bucharest: At 08:27, a voter was seen taking a photograph of their ballot inside the polling station. The PEB president notified the gendarmerie, who indicated they would issue an official report.
PS 38/181, Romania, Iași: A political party representative positioned their chair in a manner that allowed them to easily observe voters’ ballot choices, compromising the secrecy of the vote.
PS 20/68, Hîncești, Vorniceni: A mirror was located approximately one meter behind a voting booth. It was possible, from certain angles within the room, to observe the voter’s ballot, raising concerns about the privacy of the voting process.
PS 36/06, UTAG, Comrat: A voter took a photograph of their ballot and refused to delete it when instructed by PEB members. The police were notified, and an official report was filed.
PS 38/180, Romania, Bucharest: A voter was observed taking a photograph of their ballot inside the polling station. The PEB president intervened, explaining that photographing ballots is prohibited, and requested the voter to delete the photograph.
PS 01/056, Chișinău, Botanica: A voter took a photograph of their ballot and refused to delete it upon the request of the PEB president, subsequently leaving the polling station.
PS 01/258, Chișinău, Durlești: Voting booths were initially positioned facing the windows, raising concerns about voter privacy. The PEB president responded by covering the windows with white paper to ensure the confidentiality of the voting process.
PS 01/160, Chișinău, Ciocana: A voter was observed photographing their ballot. Upon the request of the PEB president, the photograph was deleted promptly.
PS 38/193, Romania, Timișoara: A voter was seen taking a photograph of her ballot. The PEB president intervened, informing her that photographing the ballot constitutes a violation of the secrecy of the vote.
PS 36/11, UTAG, Comrat: A voter was observed taking a photograph of their ballot. The PEB members did not notice in time to intervene, and the voter left the polling station without incident.
PS 01/172, Chișinău, Ciocana: While waiting to enter the voting booth, a voter (the husband) pointed at his spouse’s ballot, indicating how she should vote. PEB members intervened, reminding them that voting is a personal and confidential act.
PS 01/258, Chișinău, Durlești: A female voter approached the voting booth of her spouse, pointing to the ballot to indicate whom he should vote for. PEB members intervened and issued a formal warning.
PS 01/281, Chișinău, Budești: After exiting the voting booth at approximately 10:15, a voter raised their marked ballot, showing it to those present in the polling station, before depositing it into the ballot box. The PEB president did not take any action.
PS 38/168, Kingdom of the Netherlands, The Hague: A voter was observed photographing their ballot while casting their vote. A PEB member advised the voter that this action was illegal.
PS 25/12, Orhei: A voter photographed their ballot. The PEB members immediately informed the president and the police officer on duty, leading to the photographed ballot being annulled.
PS 01/258, Chișinău, Durlești: A female voter approached her husband while he was in the voting booth and indicated whom he should vote for. PEB members intervened and issued a formal reprimand.
PS 01/184, Chișinău, Ciocana: A voter was observed photographing their ballots. Upon the request of the PEB president, the photographs were deleted.
PS 38/22, Switzerland, Geneva: A voter photographed their marked ballot inside the voting booth. A PEB member informed the president, who explained to the voter that photographing the ballot is prohibited. The voter cooperated fully, deleting the photos in the presence of PEB members, explaining they had intended to motivate colleagues to vote.
PS 01/103, Chișinău, Buiucani: A voter photographed their ballots and refused the PEB president’s request to delete the photographs before leaving the polling station.
PS 38/87, Republic of Italy, Rome: A voter photographed their ballot and, after some hesitation, deleted the image. However, the voter then began showing their ballot to a Promo-LEX observer and other citizens. The voter was stopped and asked to leave the premises.
PS 01/111, Chișinău, Buiucani: After casting her vote, a female voter displayed her marked ballot to her husband, who was seated in front of the secretary. The PEB president and secretary witnessed the incident but did not intervene.
PS 01/064, Chișinău, Botanica: At 10:40, a voter was observed photographing their ballot. Upon the request of the PEB president, the photograph was deleted.
PS 20/46, Hîncești, Mingir: A voter photographed their ballot. Following the intervention of PEB members, the photograph was promptly deleted.
PS 01/057, Chișinău, Botanica: At 07:28, a voter photographed their ballot. The photograph was deleted following intervention by PEB members.
PS 31/26, Șoldănești, Răspopeni: At approximately 10:15, a voter photographed their marked ballot. Despite requests from PEB members to delete the photograph, the individual did not comply and fled the polling station. The PEB president reported the incident to the police, revealing that the voter had previously been sentenced to community service.
PS 38/180, Romania, Bucharest: At 09:03, an observer noted that a voter took a photo of their marked ballot. The PEB president intervened, instructing the voter to delete the image from their phone.
PS 36/60, UTAG, Etulia: A voter was observed photographing their marked ballot. Members of the PEB did not react, likely due to not noticing the incident.
PS 36/63, UTAG, Gaidar: A voter displayed their marked ballot while attempting to place it in the ballot box. The PEB president intervened, informing the voter that this constituted a violation of voting secrecy.
PS 1/116, Chișinău, Centru: Two voters photographed their marked ballots. A member of the PEB informed the president, who requested that the voters delete the images. The voters complied.
PS 38/087, Republic of Italy, Rome: At 08:05, a 65-year-old voter was observed photographing their marked ballot. The PEB president requested that the photo be deleted. The voter expressed dissatisfaction but left the station without confirming whether the image was deleted.
PS 38/006, Kingdom of Belgium, Brussels: At 07:14, a voter was observed photographing their marked ballot. Members of the PEB intervened; however, it remains unclear whether the photo was deleted.
PS 02/22, Bălți: At 10:30, a voter photographed their marked ballot. Following the intervention of PEB members, the photograph was deleted.
PS 02/30, Bălți: At 10:50, a voter photographed their marked ballot. Members of the PEB intervened, and the photograph was deleted.
PS 38/099, Republic of Italy, Milan: At 09:00, an observer noted that several voters failed to fold their ballots before placing them in the transparent ballot box, thereby revealing their voting choices. Members of the PEB did not remind voters of the requirement to fold their ballots.
PS 38/120, Republic of Italy, Parma: On October 20, 2024, at 08:20, a voter photographed the ballot box with the intention of posting on social media about their participation in the election. A member of the PEB recorded a video of the voter expressing their opinion on whom they had voted for. Upon being alerted, the member of the PEB argued that voters have the right to take brief videos within the station, after which the video was deleted.
PS 35/10, Ungheni: At 11:14, a voter photographed their marked ballot. Members of the PEB intervened, and despite the voter’s aggressive reaction, the photo was eventually deleted.
PS 01/270, Chișinău, Vatra: At 10:40, a voter photographed their marked ballot. Members of the PEB intervened, and the photograph was deleted.
PS 1/208, Chișinău, Rîșcani: At 11:15, a voter attempted to photograph their marked ballot; however, a member of the PEB intervened promptly to prevent the action.
PS 38/125, Republic of Italy, Reggio Emilia: A voter photographed their marked ballot. The PEB president intervened and instructed the voter to delete the photo in their presence. The voter complied and exited the polling station.
PS 01/270, Chișinău, Vatra: At 11:27, a voter photographed their marked ballot. Members of the PEB intervened, and the photograph was deleted.
PS 38/006, Kingdom of Belgium, Brussels: Between 09:47 and 09:50, two voters photographed their marked ballots. Members of the PEB intervened in both cases, and the photographs were deleted upon request.
PS 1/241, Chișinău, Rîșcani: At 11:55, a voter was observed taking a photograph of her marked ballot after casting her vote. This incident went unnoticed by members of the polling station office.
PS 11/22, Cimișlia, Gradiște: At 11:13, an individual photographed their marked ballot and subsequently exited the polling station. The PEB president did not take any measures in response to this action.
PS 01/117, Chișinău, Centru: A voter entered the polling station holding a ballot. He informed a PEB member that his wife had removed the ballot without marking it and wished to mark it in her stead. The PEB member permitted him to proceed, and he cast his vote before heading towards the ballot box. An observer from Promo-LEX immediately alerted the President of the PEB, who subsequently engaged with the gentleman and allowed him to submit the ballot.
PS 38/179, Romania, Bucharest: At 10:58, a voter was observed photographing their marked ballot within the voting booth. The PEB president intervened, informing the voter that taking photographs of the ballot was prohibited. The voter deleted the photograph, stating that he was unaware of the prohibition.
PS 01/258, Chișinău, Durlești: At 11:30, a voter took several ballots and proceeded to the voting booth. He subsequently attempted to exit the polling station with unmarked ballots but was stopped by the President of the PEB. The voter explained that he needed to consult with his brother, as he was unsure of his choice. Ultimately, he returned to the booth and sought advice from another voter present, who assisted him in making his selection.
PS 1/97, Chișinău, Buiucani: At 11:35, a voter attempted twice to photograph their marked ballot within the booth. Members of the PEB repeatedly instructed him to refrain from taking photographs.
PS 38/056, Federal Republic of Germany, Bremen: A voter photographed their marked ballot. At the insistence of a PEB member, the photograph was deleted.
PS 23/43, Nisporeni, Zberoaia: At 10:20, a voter was observed photographing their marked ballot. Following police intervention, the photograph was deleted, and an official report was filed against the voter.
PS 38/050, Federal Republic of Germany, Frankfurt am Main: A voter photographed their marked ballot. The PEB did not respond to this incident.
PS 10/31, Căușeni, Grigorievca: At 10:32, a member of the PEB advised an elderly individual regarding which candidate to mark. The PEB president took notice and made a formal observation regarding this interaction.
PS 38/228, Republic of Turkey, Istanbul: A voter photographed her marked ballot. The PEB president was unable to respond promptly, while representatives from various candidates approached the voter and deleted the images from her phone.
PS 01/259, Chișinău, Durlești: At 12:29, a voter photographed their marked ballot. Upon request from the President, the photograph was deleted.
PS 14/7, Drochia: A voter was observed photographing their marked ballot within the voting booth. This incident is currently being documented by law enforcement authorities.
PS 21/24, Ialoveni, Malcoci: At 10:54, a voter photographed their marked ballot. Following intervention and requests from PEB members, the photograph was deleted.
PS 01/133, Chișinău, Centru: A voter photographed her grandchildren holding two marked ballots directly in front of the camera recording the ballot boxes. A representative from a political party made a formal observation; however, the voter continued taking photographs. No representatives of the PEB noticed or reacted to the incident. The PEB president was absent from the polling station, and the secretary stated that it was not within her purview to intervene.
PS 38/22, Switzerland, Geneva: A voter photographed her marked ballot in the voting booth. After being prompted by a member of the PEB, the photograph was deleted; however, this deletion was not verified by the PEB member.

Unjustified group voting – 30 cases. Voting must be conducted in a secret and freely expressed manner. Group voting undermines these principles and may facilitate control over the voting process or exert undue influence on the voter.

PS 36/59, UTAG, Dezghingea: At 07:39, there was an attempt by two voters to cast their ballots within the same voting booth. Upon intervention by members of the PEB, one of the voters moved to an adjacent booth.
PS 11/36, Cimișlia, Mihailovca: Two individuals were observed in the voting booth. Members of the PEB did not respond to this situation. The voters appeared not to have any visual impairments.
PS 36/50, UTAG, Congaz: Two individuals entered the voting booth, and despite observations from PEB members, they did not respond. The PEB president took no action.
PS 01/258, Chișinău, Durlești: At 08:57, a voter was in the booth with an elderly woman and a man. Although the woman had visual impairments and the man purported to assist her, he remained in the booth until she completed her voting process. He even took her ballot and indicated directly whom she should vote for. The PEB president made a formal observation, but they did not comply.
PS 01/258, Chișinău, Durlești: Two voters, a couple, voted together in the same booth despite being advised that this was not permissible.
PS 36/50, UTAG, Congaz: A voter in the booth began to discuss loudly with another voter in an adjacent booth about their preferences for the constitutional referendum. Following intervention from the PEB president, the voters complied and ceased their discussion.
PS 11/2, Cimișlia: Two women, aged 40 and 50 respectively, were observed in the voting booth. They appeared not to have any visual or other impairments. Upon observation by PEB members, the second individual moved to a different booth.
PS 01/157, Chișinău, Ciocana: A couple was observed voting together in the same booth, despite being cautioned against this practice. According to the observer, both individuals, although elderly, were capable of exercising their voting rights independently.
PS 01/258, Chișinău, Durlești: A couple voted together in the same booth. The observer noted that both, despite their age, were capable of independently exercising their voting rights. The PEB president issued a warning regarding this conduct.
PS 7/7, Cahul: At 09:07, two individuals entered the voting booth: a pensioner accompanied by her daughter. The daughter intended to vote on behalf of her mother but was prevented from doing so by the PEB president at the moment she attempted to place the stamp.
PS 25/20, Orhei, Bolohan: A noisy couple entered the polling station and, after obtaining their ballots, proceeded to vote in the same booth. The PEB president attempted to intervene; however, they disregarded the request, claiming that the woman did not understand the state language.
PS 02/56, Bălți: Two voters voted simultaneously in the same booth without justification. Members of the PEB did not intervene to rectify the situation.
PS 5/2, Basarabeasca: At 10:53, after casting her vote, a voter approached an adjacent booth and instructed another voter on where to place her stamp. Members of the PEB made an observation regarding this incident.
PS 31/02, Șoldănești: At 10:34, two individuals entered the same voting booth and voted in a group without justification. Two additional individuals joined them in the adjacent booth, at which point all four voters were engaged in discussion. The PEB president intervened during this exchange.
PS 26/60, UTAG, Etulia: A woman voted on behalf of her husband. While he was in the voting booth, he exited without his ballot. The woman placed both her own ballot and her husband’s into the ballot box. The PEB president did not intervene in this matter.
PS 33/7, Taraclia, Tvardița: Two voters entered the same voting booth simultaneously. Members of the PEB intervened and informed them that group voting is prohibited. The voters did not respond and proceeded to vote as a group.
PS 18/13, Florești, Sănătăuca: A couple (a man and a woman) entered the voting booth and voted as a group. They did not exhibit any health impairments. The PEB president was not present in the polling station, and the other PEB members did not react to this situation.
PS 1/27, Chișinău, Rîșcani: At 11:19, two voters, after receiving their ballots, voted in the same booth while consulting with each other. Neither the President nor the members of the PEB observed this occurrence.
PS 1/241, Chișinău, Rîșcani: At 10:20, one voter spent an excessive amount of time in the voting booth. The PEB president requested a representative from a political party to assist the voter. This representative approached and began to explain the referendum to him, instructing him to select “yes” or “no” and indicating where to place the stamp. A representative from an independent candidate also joined, providing similar guidance. One of the PEB members observed the situation and requested the ladies to refrain from intervening. Subsequently, the President and Secretary approached the woman and informed her that she was not permitted to be involved.
PS 21/02, Ialoveni: At 11:20, a mother and daughter voted in the same booth. The reason provided by them afterward was that the daughter was voting for the first time, prompting the mother’s assistance. The PEB president did not notice the incident and thus did not intervene.
PS 16/38, Edineț, Hlinaia: A voter, who did not appear to have any visual impairments, requested assistance from another person in the adjacent voting booth, stating they were relatives and needed help. A PEB member promptly made an observation, after which both voters returned to their respective booths.
PS 11/36, Cimișlia, Mihailovca: One voter was observed instructing another voter in the adjacent booth on whom to vote. This incident occurred twice (with both ballots). No members of the PEB reacted to this situation.
PS 01/281, Chișinău, Budești: A couple voted together in the same booth. According to the observer, both, despite their age, were capable of exercising their voting rights independently. The PEB president did not respond due to the crowded conditions in the polling station.
PS 11/36, Cimișlia, Mihailovca: At 11:13, a woman approached the voting booth where her husband was casting his vote and looked over his shoulder to see his selection. The PEB president made an observation, to which she justified her actions by stating that he was her husband and she saw nothing wrong with her behavior.
PS 25/04, Orhei: At 11:47, two voters in adjacent booths consulted each other, with one indicating to the other where to place their stamps. The polling station was crowded, which prevented the PEB president from noticing the situation in order to intervene.
PS 5/5, Basarabeasca: Two voters cast their votes in the same booth. Upon being reminded by members of the PEB that group voting is not permitted, they expressed their dissatisfaction and did not comply.
PS 16/47, Edineț, Tîrnova: At 12:13, two individuals were unjustifiably present in the voting booth, both of whom did not appear to have any visual impairments. In this instance, the Secretary of the PEB intervened with a verbal observation, after which the individuals separated.
PS 01/003, Chișinău, Botanica: At 12:20, two voters (husband and wife) were observed voting simultaneously in the same booth, both capable of independently expressing their voting rights. The PEB president did not notice this due to the large influx of voters and thus did not intervene.
PS 02/56, Bălți: Two voters were overheard discussing from adjacent booths how and for whom to cast their votes. This situation went unnoticed by members of the PEB, who failed to intervene.
PS 01/259, Chișinău, Durlești: At 12:55, a husband and wife were observed voting concurrently in the same booth, both able to independently express their voting rights. The PEB president did not notice this, but there were observations from other monitors, and the voters claimed that they did not understand the language.

Restricted access for observers and obstruction of free observation in the polling station – 6 cases. It is imperative that observers can monitor the electoral process to uphold transparency and integrity.

PS 36/11 UTAG, Comrat: At 07:15, the observer was not provided with the requested data regarding the number of voters. Additionally, the delay of two PEB members contributed to confusion and a lack of focus among the Bureau members during their operations.
PS 11/16, Cimișlia, Cenac: The PEB president failed to provide the observer with the requested electoral information, including the number of ballots received, the number of voters registered on the lists, and the number of requests for voting at the location, despite multiple inquiries.
PS 33/06, Taraclia: The PEB president instructed the Promo-LEX observer to remain in the designated area for observers, citing that the observer’s proximity to the members’ table was causing undue tension among the PEB members.
PS 26/02, Rezina: Two elderly women voted simultaneously in separate booths. An observer rose from his seat to determine whether the voters were communicating; however, the PEB president informed him that he was not permitted to leave his seat. The voting booths are positioned approximately 2-3 meters to the right of the observers’ area.
PS 22/07, Leova: At 07:20, the observer requested information from the PEB president regarding the number of requests for voting at the place of residence. The president, citing a busy schedule, provided this information only after a repeated inquiry through the PEB’s Secretary at 07:33.
PS 38/160, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Northampton: The PEB secretary admonished the Promo-LEX observer, informing them that photography and video recording were prohibited.

Incidents related to vote influencing

Polling Station 38/194-15, Russian Federation, Moscow: Both polling stations are situated within the premises of the Embassy of Moldova. At the entrance, a group of young individuals was distributing free white shirts inscribed with “Russia-Moldova” to voters. Additionally, this group provided invitations to a nearby café for voters exiting the polling stations, granting access solely on the basis of these numbered invitations. Furthermore, members of the group, wearing blue shirts, were distributing flyers promoting a citizen card for Moldovans residing in Russia, which, upon activation, offers various benefits, including complimentary internet access and five thousand free portable speakers. Nearby, two musicians—a vocalist and a violinist—were performing to entertain the attendees.
Polling Stations 37/18 and 37/19, Transnistria, Cocieri: A group of voters departing in an organized manner from the polling station was overheard discussing the expectation of receiving monetary compensation for their votes.
Polling Station 37/8, Transnistria, Varnița: Within a 100-meter radius of the polling station, a group of voters, seeking transportation back after voting, was overheard discussing their voting choices, stating that they had “voted against one candidate in favor of another candidate on the ballot.” They claimed to have been promised a payment of 1,000 lei for their votes.
Polling Station 37/24, Transnistria, Sănătăuca: In the vicinity of the polling station, a group of three individuals was overheard discussing their expected remuneration of 400 lei for casting their votes, in addition to 100 lei for transportation.
Polling Station 37/21, Transnistria, Doroțcaia: At 9:01 AM, two voters approached the vehicle occupied by Promo-LEX observers and proposed to sell their votes. They informed the observers that they could vote as directed and indicated that they had heard of a payment amounting to 600 lei. After exiting the polling station, they repeatedly approached the observers, displaying a blue sticker marked “Voted.”
Polling Stations 37/18 and 37/19, Transnistria, Cocieri: Near polling stations 37/18 and 37/19, a group of three individuals was discussing the amounts of 2,000-3,000 lei as compensation for the votes they had cast on behalf of a political party.

Organized transport of voters (coaches, minibuses or other transport units that would not tipically be present around) – 2 cases. Adhering to this prohibition is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

Polling Stations 37/18 and 37/19, Transnistria: Between 7:40 AM and 8:10 AM, multiple transport vehicles were observed systematically bringing groups of 4-5 individuals to the polling stations. Both the drivers and the passengers avoided any interaction with electoral observers.
Polling Station 11/7, Cimișlia: At 11:16 AM, individuals were observed organizing themselves to enter a vehicle collectively.
Polling Station 1/073, Chișinău, Buiucani: The observer received reports from multiple sources indicating that organized public transport was being provided for elderly individuals to facilitate mass voting for a specific candidate. Inside the polling station, a representative of this candidate was present, engaging in conversations with the arriving individuals.

Incidents related to the organization of voting

Ballot boxes were not sealed according to legal procedures/ broken/ damaged or missing seals on ballot boxes – 5 cases. According to existing legislation, ballot boxes must be secured with four seals to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

PS 38/87, Republic of Italy, Rome: One of the stationary ballot boxes was sealed with only three seals.
PS 38/34, Republic of France, Montreuil: The ballot box was sealed with only two seals.
PS36/12, UTAG, Comrat: The mobile ballot box was not sealed or prepared for voting in accordance with legal procedures. The chairperson of the electoral bureau stated that sealing would occur closer to the time of visiting voters. The election observers did not observe the mobile ballot box within the polling station premises.
PS 1/150, Chișinău, Ciocana: Upon opening the polling station, it was noted that one of the stationary ballot boxes had only two seals applied. In response to a query directed at the PEB president, the missing seals were subsequently added.
PS 10/22, Căușeni, Copanca: At 8:15 AM, it was discovered that one of the ballot boxes was sealed with only three seals. The PEB president acknowledged this oversight and rectified the issue.

Inadequate storage of unallocated ballots, which were not kept in a secure safe or cabinet within the polling station – 14 cases. It is important to note that unallocated ballots must be stored in accordance with legal regulations to ensure the integrity and security of the electoral process.

Polling Station 38/120, Republic of Italy, Parma: The polling station lacks a cabinet or safe for the storage of ballots. The PEB president extracted the ballots from bags rather than from a secure location as mandated by the electoral code.
Polling Station 38/60, Germany, Munich: The polling station does not have a cabinet or safe for ballot storage. Unallocated ballots are kept on a table in the corner of the room, visible to all.
Polling Station 38/104, Republic of Italy, Bergamo: Unallocated ballots are not stored in a safe or cabinet in a secure location. Instead, they are kept under a table in a bag at the location where the PEB president should be seated.
Polling Station 38/199, Kingdom of Spain, Madrid: The polling station does not have a safe or cabinet. Unallocated ballots are located in a bag next to the table of the PEB president and secretary, adjacent to the voting booth.
Polling Station 38/99, Republic of Italy, Milan: The ballots are stored in a bag rather than in a cabinet or safe.
Polling Station 38/160, United Kingdom, Northampton: The polling station does not have a safe or cabinet. Unallocated ballots are stored in DHL boxes behind the table where the PEB president and secretary are seated.
Polling Station 38/163, United Kingdom, Manchester: Unallocated ballots are kept in bags on the floor next to the table of the PEB president and are not placed in a cabinet or safe.
Polling Station 38/158, United Kingdom, Birmingham: The polling station lacks a cabinet or safe, and unallocated ballots are stored in boxes, visible next to a table within the polling station.
Polling Station 38/42, Republic of France, Nice: The polling station does not have a safe or cabinet. Unallocated ballots are located in a bag next to the table of the PEB president and secretary.
Polling Station 38/29, Republic of France, Paris: At 7:15 AM, an observer reported that unallocated ballots are not stored in a safe or cabinet within the polling station, but rather next to the table of the PEB president. The polling station lacks both a cabinet and a safe.
Polling Station 4/27, Anenii Noi, Maximovca: Unallocated ballots are stored in a box under the table of the secretary of the PEB. The observer was informed that the polling station does not have a safe. During the night, the ballots were kept on another floor in a safe, and at 6:50 AM, they were placed in the box.
Polling Station 36/64, UTAG, Joltai: Although unallocated ballots are stored in a safe, it is located in a building approximately 10 meters from the polling station.
Polling Station 4/19, Anenii Noi, Cobușca: The unallocated ballots are not stored securely, as they are placed on the floor next to the PEB president’s table. There is no cabinet or safe in the polling station.
Polling Station 21/25, Ialoveni, Mileștii Mici: There is no safe within the polling station, nor has a designated room been established for the storage of electoral materials. Unallocated ballots are kept in the same room where voting takes place, located in a corner of the room at the table of the PEB president.

Interruption of the filming process for electoral operations throughout the voting day – 38 cases. Any disruption in filming can raise suspicions and undermine public confidence in the integrity of the elections.

PS 02/19, Bălți: At 07:25, the video camera interrupted the recording of the voting process. Upon notifying the higher electoral authorities, it was found that similar issues had been reported at other polling stations.
PS 35/01, Ungheni: Since the opening of the polling station, the video camera was non-operational for approximately 40 minutes.
PS 30/11, Strășeni, Căpriana: At the opening of the polling station, the video camera was connected and positioned according to established procedures. However, at 07:26, the PEB president relocated and disconnected the camera. The cause could not be identified as the PEB president exited the polling station.
PS 01/006, Chișinău, Botanica: Between 07:05 and 08:30, the video camera failed to record. A report was filed regarding this incident, and the higher hierarchical authority was informed. Although two technicians arrived, the issue was not resolved.
PS 30/46, Strășeni, Vorniceni: At 07:19, the video camera was removed for 10 minutes by an operator due to technical malfunctions. After the issues were resolved, the camera was repositioned and reconnected.
PS 01/144, Chișinău, Centru: Between 07:40 and 07:46, the video camera was not operational. After identifying and rectifying the problem, the filming process resumed.
PS 38/46, Federal Republic of Germany, Berlin: The video camera has not been functioning since the morning; even at the time of the repeated report (10:24), it remained non-operational.
PS 01/156, Chișinău, Ciocana: Between 09:13 and 09:18, the filming process was interrupted due to a drained battery. Filming resumed once the camera was plugged into a power source.
PS 01/202, Chișinău, Rîșcani: Since the opening of the polling station, the filming process has not been ensured. The camera is not operational, and the PEB president prepared a report regarding this incident.
PS 01/173, Chișinău, Ciocana: Between 09:30 and 09:40, the filming process was not ensured due to a dead battery.
PS 19/11, Glodeni, Cajba: At approximately 09:28, it was discovered that the video camera was not functioning. By 10:00, the issue had still not been resolved.
PS 29/32, Soroca, Holoșnița: Since the opening of the polling station, the surveillance camera has been non-operational due to a full memory card. Filming did not commence even by 09:30.
PS 4/3, Anenii Noi: At 08:45, the filming process was interrupted because the battery had drained. The PEB president noticed this and connected the camera to an electrical power source. The camera was non-operational for 5 minutes.
PS 38/56, Federal Republic of Germany, Bremen: The camera was non-operational for an hour and a half. Members of the PEB were unaware that the video camera was required to record continuously according to the instructions received; it was inadvertently disconnected. Subsequently, the members of the PEB restarted the camera.
PS 18/57, Florești, Sănătăuca: The video camera was non-operational for 45 minutes. The PEB president reacted promptly, calling the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) in an attempt to resolve the issue.
PS 24/12, Ocnița, Bîrnova: At 09:17, upon arrival at the polling station, the observer noticed that the video camera was not recording. The observer informed the PEB president, and the incident was promptly addressed.
PS 30/34, Strășeni, Rădeni: Upon the observer’s arrival at the polling station at 09:24, it was discovered that the camera was not functioning, and no one had identified the problem. The camera malfunctioned due to a drained battery. After being alerted, the issue was resolved within 3 minutes, and the camera was put to charge.
PS 6/10, Briceni, Berlinți: The filming process was interrupted due to insufficient storage space on the memory card. It took 30 minutes to resolve the issue, during which another card was brought in.
PS29/31, Soroca, Egoreni: Upon the observer’s arrival at the polling station at 07:45, it was noted that the video camera was not functioning. The PEB president attributed the issue to the camera disconnecting on its own.
PS18/33, Florești, Gvozdova: Throughout the observer’s time in the polling station, from 07:00 to 07:30, the video camera was non-operational. Members of the PEB attempted to rectify the situation with the assistance of a specialist from the CEC via telephone, but they were unsuccessful.
PS11/43, Cimișlia, Șuric: During the observer’s presence at the polling station from 08:22 to 08:50, it was noted that the video camera was non-operational. Upon notifying the PEB president, he denied the existence of this issue.
PS22/39, Leova, Tochile-Răducani: While the observer was present at the polling station from 08:26 to 08:58, it was observed that the video camera was not functioning. The PEB president addressed the issue upon being informed.
PS34/32, Telenești, Pistruieni: Upon the observer’s arrival at 07:45, it was noted that the video camera was non-operational due to insufficient storage space. The PEB president requested an additional memory stick from the responsible personnel and awaited its arrival.
PS20/37, Hîncești, Ivanovca: The video camera was not connected upon the observer’s arrival at the polling station at 08:00. Following a remark from the OTS, the PEB president connected the camera.
PS8/29, Cantemir, Haragîș: Throughout the observer’s time at the polling station, from 08:50 to 09:20, the video camera remained disconnected.
PS29/28, Soroca, Dărcăuți: Upon the observer’s arrival at the polling station at 10:30, it was noted that the video camera was not operational. The PEB president acknowledged the incident, citing a lack of memory for the camera.
PS34/39, Telenești, Tîrșiței: Upon the arrival of the mobile team, the camera was not functioning and was not positioned near the ballot box. After reporting the issue, the team connected the camera. The mobile team arrived at the polling station at 10:50, and the resolution of the problem took approximately 16 to 18 minutes.
PS01/062, Chișinău, Botanica: At 09:30, the observer identified that the camera was not recording the voting process. The duration of inactivity prior to this observation was unknown. The camera was immediately connected to a power source after this identification.
PS1/207, Chișinău, Rîșcani: The video camera had not been connected since the start, and the opening process was not recorded. The PEB president stated that the camera was discharged and could not be placed above the ballot box. Furthermore, she refused to position the camera, even with a charger, near the ballot box, citing concerns about voter comfort.
PS01/143, Chișinău, Centru: At 11:25, the observer identified that the camera was not recording the voting process. The duration of inactivity prior to this observation was unknown. The camera was immediately connected to a power source after this identification.
PS1/222, Chișinău, Rîșcani: At 07:30, it was discovered that the camera was in standby mode and was not recording. The PEB president addressed the issue within 6 to 7 minutes.
PS12/38, Criuleni, Zăicana: At 10:40, it was identified that the video camera was non-operational. The PEB president reconnected the camera to the power source, and the recording process commenced.
PS1/157, Chișinău, Ciocana: Between 11:30 and 11:45, the SAIS Elections was non-operational. The voting process was interrupted. It was only after 11:45 that an operator was able to connect the system, and the process resumed. The PEB president called for technical assistance.
PS01/156, Chișinău, Ciocana: Between 12:13 and 12:26, the video camera was not functioning. After notifying the PEB president, the issue was resolved.
PS38/034, French Republic, Montreuil: At approximately 10:55, the filming process was interrupted for over an hour due to technical reasons. Subsequently, the situation was resolved, and filming resumed.
PS9/30, Călărași, Pitușca: At 11:37, the PEB president discovered that the camera was not functioning. The PEB president took measures to repair or replace the camera.
PS38/141, Italian Republic, Trento: At approximately 11:00, members of the PEB identified that the video recording camera was not operational. According to their account, the camera had overheated. During this time, which lasted for one hour and 40 minutes, the camera did not record video. It was put into operation again at 12:40.
PS29/32, Soroca, Holoșnița: At 12:30, it was reported that the video camera had not been recording the electoral process since the polling station’s opening. The PEB president was aware of the situation but argued that the memory card had not been cleared.

Unjustified suspension or interruption of voting at polling station – 4 cases. It should be noted that any interruption in the voting process must be justified and documented by the president of the polling station and reported to the competent authorities.

PS 01/143, Chișinău, Centru: Between 08:20 and 08:59, issues with the SAIS Elections resulted in an interruption of the voting process, causing voters to wait outside.
Polling Station 01/137, Chișinău, Centru: From 07:00 to 07:24, problems with the SAIS Elections prevented the declaration of the voting process as open, resulting in voters waiting outside the polling station.
Polling Station 01/271, Chișinău, Băcioi: Between 07:45 and 07:55, the SAIS Elections experienced issues, leading to an interruption of the voting process while voters awaited the resolution of the problem.
Polling Station 01/143, Chișinău, Centru: From 08:20 to 08:55, the SAIS Elections was non-functional due to internet connectivity issues, which halted the voting process during this period.

Deficiencies in the operation of SAIS Elections (suspension of operation; situations when SAIS Elections indicates that the voter voted, and he claims that he did not vote) – 25 cases. În situația în care SIAS Alegeri devine nefuncțional, pot apărea blocaje în procesul de înregistrare a alegătorilor, care se prezintă la vot. Rolul acestui sistem este inclusiv de a preveni votarea multiplă.

PS 02/22, Bălți: Upon approaching the operators, a voter could not be found at the designated PS due to lack of residency registration there. With the consent of the PEB president, the voter was permitted to cast a ballot, being included in the supplementary list.
PS 36/38, UTAG, Carabalia: At the opening of the PS, deficiencies in internet connectivity were identified; however, PEB members acted swiftly to change the internet service provider.
PS 01/143, Chișinău, Centru: Between 08:20 and 08:59, issues with the SAIS system resulted in an interruption of the voting process, leading voters to wait outside.
PS 01/137, Chișinău, Centru: From 07:00 to 07:24, problems with the SAIS Elections prevented the declaration of the voting process as open, causing voters to wait outside.
PS 01/271, Chișinău, Băcioi: Between 07:45 and 07:55, issues with the SAIS Elections interrupted the voting process, and voters awaited resolution of the problem.
PS 01/143, Chișinău, Centru: Between 08:20 and 08:55, the SAIS Elections was non-functional due to internet connectivity issues, halting the voting process during this time.
PS 24/02, Ocnița: Starting at 08:00, an error in the SAIS Elections system indicated that the browser did not recognize the website. This message appeared when entering the voter’s identification number. The error persisted until 09:30.
PS 02/38, Bălți: Between 07:00 and 08:00, only one of the two computers used by the operators was functioning. As a result, due to the formed queue, two voters left and refused to vote. The issue was resolved around 08:00.
PS 38/163, United Kingdom, Manchester: Shortly after 07:00, internet connectivity at the PS failed, preventing members from resolving the issue. At 07:15, the PEB president contacted Chișinău for assistance. As of the reporting time (09:37), the situation remained unresolved, with a queue of approximately 20 people formed.
PS 02/30, Bălți: Two voters could not be found in the SAIS Elections system at the PS. Following the intervention of the PEB president, they were included in the supplementary lists.
PS 19/01, Glodeni: Around 09:55, both computers at the PS were found to have malfunctioned in the SAIS Elections system for approximately 15 minutes. The issue was resolved, and no incidents were recorded while voters waited.
PS 23/4, Nisporeni: A voter could not be found in the SAIS Elections system, despite their identification documents indicating they were assigned to that PS. Following the intervention of the PEB president, the voter was permitted to vote, being added to the supplementary lists.
PS 01/192, Chișinău, Rășcani: At 10:25, a voter presented themselves at the PS. Upon checking in the SAIS, they were marked as having already voted. The voter claimed they had checked at another PS but left due to not being found on the list. Consequently, they were not allowed to vote at PS 192.
PS 01/271, Chișinău, Băcioi: Between 07:00 and 07:05, one of the operators was unable to connect to the SAIS Elections due to lack of internet access.
PS 15/8, Dubăsari, Holecrani: The PS experienced a lack of internet connectivity. At 07:40, a technician from Moldtelecom arrived and resolved the issue.
PS 02/50, Bălți: At 10:28, a couple presented themselves at the PS but could not be found in the SAIS Elections system due to discrepancies with the address listed on their identification documents. They preemptively approached the SPA for resolution, but no changes were made, and they were not allowed to vote.
PS 01/249, Chișinău, Codru: Between 07:00 and 07:10, operators were unable to connect to the SAIS Elections and input the opening report for the PS. Consequently, voters could not exercise their right to vote.
PS 21/1, Ialoveni: At 07:02, the first two voters present at the PS were not registered in the system due to lack of internet access. The PEB president addressed the situation by contacting specialists, and the problem was resolved within 15 minutes. The two voters were recorded in a manual log.
PS 7/15, Cahul, Alexanderfeld: Between 10:12 and 10:16, the SAIS Elections operators faced internet issues and could not access the electronic voter lists for four minutes. Approximately 10 voters waited patiently for the problem to be resolved, which was accomplished.
PS 1/157, Chișinău, Ciocana: Between 11:30 and 11:45, the SAIS Elections was non-functional, interrupting the voting process. It was only from 11:45 that an operator could reconnect, and the process was resumed. The PEB president called for technical assistance.
PS 38/122, Italy, Bologna: At 10:35, one of the two operators encountered difficulties accessing the SAIS Elections system, citing network overload as the cause of slow voter registration. After a few minutes, the network was restored.
PS 5/9, Basarabeasca, Abaclia: A voter was not found on the electoral lists. They were allowed to vote on the supplementary list.
PS 23/04, Nisporeni: At 11:41, a voter with residency in the locality was not found in the SAIS Elections system or in the main lists. After verifying the identification documents, the PEB president permitted them to vote on the supplementary lists.
PS 02/38, Bălți: At 12:15, two voters presented themselves at the PS but could not be found in the SAIS Elections system, despite their identification documents matching the PS. Ultimately, they were added to the supplementary lists.
PS 01/160, Chișinău, Ciocana: Between 12:50 and 13:00, one of the operators was unable to access the SAIS system.

Irregularities in the electoral lists – 39 cases.

PS 01/258, Chișinău, Durlești: Several voters who were previously listed on the electoral rolls for PS 258 were not found on the lists today. These individuals voted using the supplementary list.
PS 01/251, Chișinău, Codru: One voter was not found on the primary electoral list. With the approval of the PEB president, the voter cast their ballot using the supplementary list.
PS 37/18, Dubăsari, Cocieri: Two voters presented themselves to vote, but according to the SIAS Elections, they were directed to vote at a different polling station. With the PEB president’s consent, they were allowed to vote.
PS 02/22, Bălți: One voter could not be found on the electoral lists due to a lack of residence registration at the respective polling station. The PEB president authorized the voter to participate using the supplementary list.
PS 01/180, Chișinău, Ciocana: Two voters were not listed on the primary electoral rolls. Based on the residence registration indicated in their identification documents, they voted using the supplementary list.
PS 01/048, Chișinău, Botanica: A voter identified a deceased relative in the electoral list. The PEB president informed the voter that this was not permissible and that they needed to provide a death certificate. The voter was dissatisfied with this explanation and stated intentions to file a complaint with the CECE. This incident lasted approximately 30 minutes.
PS 01/131, Chișinău, Centru: One voter could not be found on the primary electoral list. Based on the address specified in their identification document, they voted using the supplementary list.
PS 01/226, Chișinău, Rîșcani: Due to an error, one voter signed the electoral list in the place of another voter and provided an explanation regarding this mistake.
PS 01/133, Chișinău, Centru: One voter was not located on the primary electoral list. They voted using the supplementary list based on the address indicated in their identification document.
PS 36/54, UTAG, Copceac: The primary electoral lists included three deceased voters who were not listed in the SIAS Elections. The total number of voters registered in SIAS was 1,850, compared to 1,853 in the primary lists.
PS 4/1, Anenii Noi: At 9:10 AM, two voters identified deceased relatives on the electoral list. These deceased individuals were also present on the electoral lists during the 2021 elections.
PS 24/10, Ocnița, Bîrlădeni: One voter was not found on the primary electoral lists; with the PEB president’s consent, they voted using the supplementary list.
PS 01/117, Chișinău, Centru: At 10:00 AM, a couple discovered that their address contained registrations for foreign individuals, while they, as property owners, were absent from the list. This was in contrast to the previous local elections, where they had been able to vote without any foreign registrations. Police intervention was requested. Following heated discussions among voters, PEB members, and the police officer, the voters departed without exercising their right to vote.
PS 25/04, Orhei: After voting, a voter expressed frustration that their mother and wife were not included in the electoral lists. Following complaints to PEB members, they were added to the supplementary list.
PS 02/22, Bălți: One voter was not located on the primary electoral list; after intervention from the PEB president, they were allowed to vote using the supplementary list.
PS 02/52, Bălți: A voter identified a deceased family member in the electoral list from three years ago. The PEB president recommended that they contact the local municipality to resolve the issue.
PS 01/192, Chișinău, Rîșcani: At 9:50 AM, two voters could not be found on the electoral list. Based on their identification documents, they voted using the supplementary list.
PS 01/216, Chișinău, Rîșcani: At 11:00 AM, a voter informed observers that a foreign individual was registered at their apartment.
PS 01/231, Chișinău, Rîșcani: At 10:17 AM, one voter wished to vote but was not found on the electoral list. The PEB registered the voter on the supplementary list, allowing them to cast their vote.
PS 01/186, Chișinău, Ciocana: One voter could not be found on the primary electoral list and subsequently voted using the supplementary list.
PS 02/35, Bălți: A voter could not be found on the electoral lists, despite being eligible to vote at the specified polling station according to their residence registration. The voter stated this was not the first time they had encountered this issue and subsequently voted using the supplementary list.
PS 4/4, Anenii Noi, Beriozchi: A voter could not be found on the electoral lists and was allowed to vote using the supplementary list.
PS 1/116, Chișinău, Centru: A signature was applied in place of another person’s. The PEB member allowed the voter to proceed, but the voter did not sign next to their name. They voted and left, while the president took no action.
PS 1/131, Chișinău, Centru: Two voters were not found on the primary electoral list and voted using the supplementary list.
PS 1/216, Chișinău, Rîșcani: Voters with residence registration at bd. Moscovei 3/3 were not found on the primary lists. Although their identification documents indicated their address as 3/3, the lists showed them at bd. Moscovei 3. It was decided that these individuals would sign next to their names, despite the incorrect address. By 12:05 PM, at least six voters had been affected by this error.
PS 02/22, Bălți: A voter, although having a residence address within the jurisdiction of the respective polling station, could not be found on the primary electoral lists and voted using the supplementary list.
PS 10/49, Căușeni, Zaim: A voter from Zaim presented themselves at the PS but was not found on the primary list. The PS secretary included them in the supplementary list, informing the PEB president of the situation, which had been noted by the SIAS operator.
PS 1/177, Chișinău, Ciocana: At 11:15 AM, a voter could not be found on the primary electoral list and voted using the supplementary list.
PS 1/177, Chișinău, Centru: At 10:50 AM, a female voter was located on the primary electoral list (having been assigned to the polling station according to a previous address in the SIAS Elections). She voted using the supplementary list.
PS 1/043, Chișinău, Botanica: A voter identified their deceased son on the electoral list. They refused to continue participating in the voting process and left.
PS 13/22, Dondușeni, Sudarca: At 11:10 AM, a woman was not found on the electoral lists. The SIAS Elections indicated that the voter had no residence registration. With the PEB president’s approval, she was included in the supplementary list.
PS 1/171, Chișinău, Ciocanaca: A voter identified their deceased father on the electoral list. The PEB secretary intervened, arguing that the PSA was responsible for this situation.
PS 02/48, Bălți: At 11:43 AM, a voter mistakenly signed next to another voter on the primary list. Following intervention by the PEB president, the voter signed a note acknowledging the error.
PS 01/143, Chișinău, Centru: At 12:15 PM, a female voter mistakenly signed in place of another person on the primary list. The president was informed about this incident, marked it in the voters’ list with a pencil, and allowed the voter to cast their ballot.
PS 01/212, Chișinău, Buiucani: Approximately 55 voters were not found on the primary electoral list, even though they had voted at this PS in the previous election. These individuals voted using the supplementary list. Additional supplementary lists were requested from the CEC. About 10 voters who needed to vote from the supplementary list waited approximately 20 minutes for the lists to arrive.
PS 36/54, UTAG, Copceac: A female voter aged 60-70 was not found on the primary lists, despite claiming she had maintained the same residence registration for over 40 years. The voter’s husband became agitated, attempting to damage the ballots. Ultimately, the voter was included in the supplementary list, but she was advised to contact the PSA for clarification.
PS 01/117, Chișinău, Centru: At 12:00 PM, two female voters discovered that foreign individuals were registered at their address.
PS 01/301, Chișinău, Trușeni: At 12:30 PM, a voter mistakenly signed in place of another person on the primary list. The president was informed of the incident, highlighted the error with an arrow, and the next person signed correctly.
PS 01/129, Chișinău, Centru: From the opening of the PS until 12:07 PM, several individuals could not be found on the primary electoral lists, although their residence addresses indicated they should be assigned to this polling station. These individuals voted using the supplementary list.

Other – 31 cases.

PS 36/24, UTAG, Vulcănești: A representative of an electoral competitor initiated a verbal conflict with PEB members, accusing them of improperly asking voters how many ballots they wished to receive. The representative insisted that voters should be given two ballots upfront, allowing them to refuse or accept both. PEB members disagreed with this accusation. The representative declared their intention to file a complaint against the PEB members.
PS 02/15, Bălți: An individual entered the polling station intending to photograph the location. PEB members informed them that this was not allowed. Despite the warning, the individual continued to take photographs. Upon leaving, the individual displayed their identification as a member of an electoral body and forcefully closed the door.
PS 38/6, Kingdom of Belgium, Brussels: Two votes were accepted from citizens presenting expired identification cards. This situation was later discussed at 8:01 AM with the PEB president, who warned that voting is permitted only with expired passports, not identity cards. It remained unclear which PEB members allowed voters to cast their ballots with expired identity cards. The president had previously contacted the CEC for reporting and consultations.
PS 33/06, Taraclia: A female voter attempted to mark her ballot with a pen and tried to take a second ballot home. PEB members intervened, and the voter complied, casting her vote according to procedure.
PS 36/30, TUAG, Baurci: A voter intentionally damaged the ballot for the referendum while voting in the presidential elections, leading to the creation of a report. Shortly thereafter, another voter refused to vote for the referendum, but PEB members insisted that they take both ballots.
PS 01/212, Chișinău, Rîșcani: A female voter attempted to remove her ballot for the referendum from the polling station. The president stopped her and instructed her to place the ballot in the ballot box, which she complied with.
PS 38/152, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, London: At 8:09 AM, a voter was mistakenly given two ballots for the referendum, which they inadvertently used. The PEB president canceled the ballot and provided the voter with a ballot for the presidential elections instead.
PS 7/7, Cahul: At 9:00 AM, a voter attempted to conceal their referendum ballot by folding it and hiding it in their pocket while leaving the voting area. A PEB member noticed this, and at the request of the PEB president, the ballot was placed in the ballot box. The police were not notified.
PS 7/7, Cahul: At 9:34 AM, a PEB member mistakenly issued two ballots for the referendum to a voter. In the voting booth, the voter realized they had two ballots. The president approached, took one ballot, verified that it was not stamped, and placed it in the ballot box.
PS 01/117, Chișinău, Centru: A case of intervention by a PEB member regarding a voter’s choice was identified. A female voter changed her mind about participating in the referendum and wished to return her ballot. A PEB member suggested she apply two stamps, rendering the ballot invalid.
PS 01/258, Chișinău, Durlești: At 11:30 AM, a voter took the ballots and proceeded to the voting booth. Later, they attempted to leave the voting station with the unmarked ballots but were stopped by the PEB president. The voter explained they needed to consult their brother as they were unsure whom to vote for. Ultimately, they returned to the booth and sought advice from another voter present, who indicated how to vote.
PS 14/19, Drochia, Hăsnășenii Mari: After taking both ballots, a female voter was seen hiding the referendum ballot under her clothing. The PEB president requested the return of the ballot, leading the woman to verbally assault all PEB members. After being informed that the police would be called, she calmed down, returned the hidden ballot, and left.
PS 24/02, Ocnița: A voter with residence registration in Chișinău attempted to vote in Ocnița. Since PEB members refused to allow this (the voter did not have a voting certificate), the voter threatened to call the hotline to report the incident.
PS 38/52, Federal Republic of Germany – Köln city: The polling station opened approximately 50 minutes late. According to the PEB president, they did not have the key to the main hall. The door was opened at 7:30 AM with the help of a summoned locksmith. The station began preparation and officially opened at 07:50.
PS 11/12, Cimișlia, Albina: At 10:29 AM, while presenting ballots to a voter, a SIAS operator approached and stated that only one ballot should be issued to the voter, specifically the presidential ballot, as voting on the referendum ballot was prohibited. After the PEB president made several phone calls to clarify the situation, it was decided to provide the voter with the second ballot for voting.
PS 7/50, Cahul, Manta: Inside the polling station, a representative of a political party was observed taking notes with the names of voters coming to the polling station.
PS 7/45, Cahul, Lebedenco: A representative of a political party is registering voters who come to the PS to vote. The PEB president made an observation, but the representative refused to comply.
PS 14/28, Drochia, Palanca: The electricity was disconnected for unknown reasons. An electrician was called. The problem was resolved in approximately 30 minutes. The voting process was not interrupted, and the voters voted without issues.
19. PS 13/22, Dondușeni, Sudarca. The electricity was disconnected in the polling station. The PEB president contacted RED NORD EST. The video camera was functioning, the computers were charged, and there were no obstacles for the voters.
PS 26/40, Rezina, Țareuca: A voter entered the PS and had difficulty interacting with the operators, coming with complaints and raising her voice. The woman was intoxicated and claimed she could not see, being informed that she could use a magnifying glass. After a few seconds in the voting booth, without stamping the ballots, she attempted to leave the PS with the ballots, declaring that she wanted to give them to someone. Upon the police’s intervention, the voter threw the ballots into the ballot box.
PS 38/049, Federal Republic of Germany, Frankfurt am Main: A member of the PEB from the PSRM arrived at the PS at 7:15 AM in an intoxicated state. Thus, the chairperson of the PEB, with the members’ votes, decided that he would not be accepted on the grounds that he would not be able to perform his duties. The PEB president recorded this case in a report.
PS 1/86, Chișinău, Buiucani. A voter did not want to place both ballots in the ballot box and tried to leave. At the insistence of the chairperson of the PEB, the voter took out the ballot, tore it, and threw it into the box.
PS 01/144, Chișinău, Centru. At 12:02, one of the PEB members discovered the disappearance of the “Voted” stamp from voting booth number 2. The PEB president ordered the verification of the recording cameras. The perpetrator was identified, and the chairperson of the PEB informed the sector police and the CEC to find a solution.
PS 38/152, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, London. At 9:32 AM, a member of the PEB issued both ballots to a voter without having the voter sign the list indicating that he had received the ballots. The member of the PEB did not register the voter’s name. The voter cast his vote and left. This incident was reported after the voter’s departure, and the PEB president prepared a record of this matter.
PS 01/106, Chișinău, Buiucani. After exercising her voting right, a female voter damaged her ballot and requested the PEB president to sign the ballot to indicate that it was no longer valid and to prepare a report stating that her ballot was damaged. She wanted to leave with the ballots. Later, the police arrived, and after a discussion, the chairperson prepared a record stating that the woman had spoiled her ballots and that, therefore, they had no value.
PS 01/273, Chișinău, Bacioi. At 11:40 AM, a voter discovered a torn ballot for the referendum in one of the voting booths. It was handed over by the PEB member who was near the ballot boxes to the PEB president, who was to notify the police to prepare a report.
PS 36/43, TUAG, Chirsova. At 11:51 AM, after receiving the ballots, a voter did not want to vote immediately and wanted to leave the polling station first. The ballots were left with the PEB members. Shortly after, the voter returned, received the same ballots, voted, and left. However, to ensure public order, the PEB members requested police intervention.
PS 36/38, TUAG, Carabalia. At 11:16 AM, it was reported that since the opening of the PS, a party representative had been noting each voter present at the polling.
PS 36/38, TUAG, Carabalia. During the voting process, conflicts arose between the PEB members and voters who were placing folded ballots into the box, with the PEB members reminding them to place them in the box one at a time.
30. PS 38/56, Federal Republic of Germany, Bremen. A voter who presented himself to the SIAS Elections operators with his identity card to vote was refused the right to vote because he was missing the accompanying document. He complied and left. After the incident, the PEB members discussed and understood that they should have allowed him to vote with just the plastic identity card, without the accompanying document.
PS 23/04, Nisporeni. At 11:55, a husband and wife refused to take the ballots for the constitutional referendum. The PEB presidentof the insisted that if they refused these ballots, they needed to write a statement explaining their refusal. The voters refused to write such a statement, which led the PEB president to require them to write “refusal” next to their names on the electoral list.

The Promo-LEX Association has been informed of the following incidents:

PS 27/39, Rîșcani, Recea: A voter was denied the opportunity to vote as they presented a passport from the Republic of Moldova. They were advised to return with an alternative form of identification to exercise their right to vote.

We wish to remind citizens that, on the occasion of the presidential elections and the constitutional referendum scheduled for October 20, Promo-LEX has established an email address and a telephone number for reporting any irregularities that may occur during the electoral process.

If you witness any unusual circumstances, we encourage you to contact us at the following email address: [email protected] or by phone at 068 43 83 23, which is also accessible via Viber, Telegram, or WhatsApp.

For further information, please contact:

Dumitrița Ciuvaga
Comunication Officer
Promo-LEX Association
Tel: +373 68 800 827

Promo-LEX Mission for Observing the Presidential Elections and the Republican Constitutional Referendum on October 20, 2024: Polling Stations Opening

20 October 2024

9:00 am

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the Presidential Elections and the Republican Constitutional Referendum on October 20, 2024, notes that by 9:00 AM, the Mission received a total of 173 incident reports from its observers. This release includes 34 incidents that have been processed by the central team of the Promo-LEX Mission as of that time.

Methodological Aspects of Observation

On election day, the Promo-LEX Observation Mission has deployed short-term observers (STO) to a total of 614 polling stations (PS), selected based on a sample provided by a reputable sociological company. In addition, each of the 30 polling stations designated for voters from the Transnistrian region will have a static observer assigned.

Special emphasis will be placed on polling stations located abroad, where 91 static observers have been appointed to ensure comprehensive monitoring.

Alongside the static observers, the Promo-LEX Mission has deployed 89 mobile teams to oversee the electoral process at polling stations not included in the initial sample. These mobile teams will also monitor access routes to the polling stations, including those designated for voters from the Transnistrian region.

According to the observers, of the 614 polling stations monitored at the time of opening, 86 commenced operations slightly earlier or later than the scheduled time of 7:00 AM.

Moreover, in at least 121 polling stations, the ceremonial aspects of the voting process were not upheld, as the national anthem was not played and the national flag was not displayed.

The majority of Promo-LEX observers evaluated the performance of the members of the Polling Station Electoral Bureau (PEB) during the opening process as good or very good, with a commendable 98.7% rating. Furthermore, PEB members exhibited a high level of cooperation, providing the requested information in 99.5% of instances.

Incidents Reported at the Opening of Polling Stations

Incidents related to the failure to maintain order in the polling station and within a 100-meter radius.

Presence of advertising materials, displays, and electoral panels within the polling station vicinity (100 meters from the polling location) – 7 cases. It is essential to emphasize that the responsibility for the removal of such advertising materials rests with the Local Public Administration (APL). This measure is designed to safeguard voters from external influences while they exercise their right to vote.

PS 35/6, Taraclia: A leaflet concerning the constitutional referendum was located within the polling station. Following a report from the PEB members, the material was promptly removed.
PS 01/298, Chișinău, Trușeni: In addition to the flag of the Trușeni commune, the flag of the European Union was also prominently displayed within the polling station.
PS 16/31, Edineț, Fetești: Electoral materials related to the constitutional referendum were identified on the municipal information board.
PS 6/18, Briceni, Corjeuți: Prior to the opening of the polling station, electoral promotional materials advocating for a specific option in the constitutional referendum were observed in the vicinity. The PEB members took immediate action to remove the poster.
PS 1/18, Chișinău, Botanica: An electoral leaflet regarding the constitutional referendum was noted across from the polling station.
PS 16/2, Edineț: An electoral banner providing information about the constitutional referendum was observed in proximity to the polling station.
PS 16/2, Edineț: An electoral display featuring a candidate for the presidential elections was noted outside the polling station, approximately 70 meters away. The PEB president confirmed that the material would be removed without delay.

Unauthorized presence within the polling station or within a 100-meter radius – 4 cases. This restriction is in place to uphold the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, ensuring it remains free from undue influence.

PS 01/241 Chișinău, Rîșcani: Prior to the official opening of the polling station (the polling preparation report had not yet been deposited in the ballot box, and the camera was not positioned over the ballot box), the PEB president invited three voters who were waiting outside into the polling station. These voters participated in the official opening proceedings, checked in with the operators, received their ballots, cast their votes, and subsequently exited the polling station.
PS 01/101 Chișinău, Buiucani: During the polling station’s preparatory procedures before opening, a police officer was present inside the premises. Upon the president’s request, the police officer exited the polling station prior to its official opening.
PS 38/72 Republic of Greece, Athens: At 6:40 AM, while preparations for the polling station’s opening were underway, an individual who spoke Russian arrived and identified herself as an observer. She presented her passport and requested permission to observe the electoral process. The PEB president denied her request, advising her to return with the appropriate accreditation and identification. Approximately 5-10 minutes later, the individual returned with some documentation on her phone; however, due to insufficient proof of her credentials, the president did not permit her to serve as an observer.
PS 38/122 Republic of Italy, Bologna: At 6:27 AM, an individual identified himself as an electoral candidate at the polling station. The president instructed him to wait in an adjacent room while a determination was made by the electoral commission regarding his presence.

Violations of Ballot Secrecy (photographing completed ballots, displaying the completed ballots; improper placement of ballots that allows visibility of voter choices) – 2 cases. Voters are prohibited from taking photos of their completed ballots, showing their ballots, and placing ballots in the ballot box in a manner that makes their voting choices visible.

PS 2/10, Bălți: The placement of the voting booth for individuals with disabilities was inadequate, allowing visibility of the voter’s choice.
PS 25/55, Orhei, Peresecina: The voting booths are positioned near windows, approximately 2 meters away. Actions taken by the voter can be observed from the outside due to the lack of window coverings.

Unjustified group voting – 1 case. Voting must be conducted in a secret and freely expressed manner. Group voting undermines these principles and may facilitate control over the voting process or exert undue influence on the voter.

PS 37/18, Dubăsari, Cocieri. Two individuals (a husband and wife) entered the voting booth without any visible disabilities, which raises concerns regarding the integrity of the voting process.

Restricted access for observers and obstruction of free observation in the polling station – 2 incidents. It is imperative that observers can monitor the electoral process to uphold transparency and integrity.

PS 01/226 Chișinău, Rîșcani. The designated area for observers, including those from Promo-LEX, was positioned behind a column, obstructing an unobstructed view of the voting process. The PEB president cited a lack of space as justification, although the Promo-LEX observer assessed that adequate space was available.
PS 36/50 UTAG, Congaz. In response to the observer’s request to present a copy of the resolution detailing the composition of the PEB, the president of the electoral body stated she was occupied and could not provide the necessary documentation (as of 07:35, the document had not yet been presented).

Incidents related to the organization of voting

PS 36/13 UTAG, Ceadîr-Lunga: The stationary ballot box was sealed with only three seals.
PS 02/52, Bălți: The stationary ballot boxes were sealed with only two seals each.
PS 11/42, Cimișlia, Selemet: The stationary ballot box was sealed with three seals.
PS 1/110, Chișinău, Buiucani: Both stationary ballot boxes were sealed with only three seals. The PEB president stated that only seven seals had been received.
PS 20/26 Hîncești, Ciuciuleni: The stationary ballot box was sealed with only three seals, as the fourth seal was damaged during the handling of the box.

Inadequate storage of unallocated ballots, which were not kept in a secure safe or cabinet within the polling station – 2 cases. It is important to note that unallocated ballots must be stored in accordance with legal regulations to ensure the integrity and security of the electoral process.

PS 34/15, Telenești, Chițcanii Vechi. Despite the presence of a safe within the polling station, unallocated ballots were displayed openly on a window ledge.
PS 25/43, Orhei, Jora de Mijloc. Unallocated ballots were stored on a chair/table near the PEB president due to the absence of a safe or cabinet. PEB members confirmed that this situation had also occurred during previous electoral processes

Interruption of the filming process for electoral operations throughout the voting day – 8 cases. Any disruption in filming can raise suspicions and undermine public confidence in the integrity of the elections.

PS 36/33 UTAG, Beșalma: Upon connecting the video camera, it was discovered that the memory card was full. As a result, the camera was unable to record the voting process. As of 07:22, the issue remained unresolved.
PS29/32 Soroca, Holoșnița: Prior to the opening of the polling station, it was found that the video camera was not functioning. The PEB president reported the issue to the higher electoral authorities, who advised proceeding with the opening of the polling station as usual, despite the lack of video recording. As of 07:45, the problem remained unresolved.
PS 01/077 Chișinău, Buiucani: Between 07:19 and 07:30, due to technical issues/lack of battery, the video camera was turned off. After the issue was fixed, the filming process resumed.
PS 34/15, Telenești, Chițcanii Vechi: The video camera was only turned on at 07:00 because the PEB president forgot to activate it earlier.
PS 12/10, Criuleni, Cimișeni: At 07:10, an observer checked whether the video camera was recording and found that it was not functioning.
PS 25/15, Orhei: The video camera was connected only at 07:10, as it was unnoticed until that moment that, although present and installed, it had not been connected.
PS 37/19, Dubăsari, Cocieri: At 07:00, it was discovered that the camera had not been turned on.
PS 26/1, Rezina: The video camera stopped functioning at 07:01. The PEB president reported the issue to the Central Electoral Bureau for Electoral Constituencies (CECE), which informed them that a backup camera would be provided. As of 07:15, when the mobile team left the polling station, the camera was still not functional.

Unjustified suspension or interruption of voting at polling station – 1 case. It should be noted that any interruption in the voting process must be justified and documented by the president of the polling station and reported to the competent authorities.

PS 01/088, Chișinău, Buiucani. Between 07:01 and 07:05, a power outage occurred due to technical issues. During the repair period, two voters approached the polling station and were asked to wait. Once the issue was resolved, the voters were invited to cast their ballots.

Irregularities in the electoral lists – 1 case.

PS 01/133, Chișinău, Centru. A voter, whose residence permit falls within the jurisdiction of the polling station and who had previously cast their vote at this same location in past elections, was not listed on the main electoral roll. Following a more in-depth discussion with PEB president, the voter was allowed to cast their ballot using the supplementary list.

Other – 1 case.

SV 01/216, Chișinău, Rîșcani. The number of ballots does not match the number of voters registered on the main electoral list (a discrepancy of -8 ballots). According to the PEB president the ballots were received based on outdated lists, while the updated lists include an additional 8 voters.

For further information, please contact:

Dumitrița Ciuvaga
Comunication Officer
Promo-LEX Association
Tel: +373 68 800 827

Promo-LEX presented Report No. 4 of the Observation Mission for the elections on 20 October

Promo-LEX Association presented today the fourth report of the Observation Mission (OM) of the Presidential Elections and the Republican Constitutional Referendum from 20 October, covering the findings in the period 1 October – 15 October. The report mainly reflects the last two weeks of the electoral campaign, the legal framework relevant to the electoral process, the performance of electoral competitors, as well as the work of electoral bodies in preparation for the 20 October elections.

Legal framework. In the observation process, OM noted concerns regarding the application of legal rules on passive and active electoral corruption. However, based on the announcement by the authorities of more than 100 minutes reports on passive electoral bribery, OM finds that there is no information on the initiation of criminal proceedings, including for electoral corruption. Promo-LEX recommends that the prosecution body takes all the necessary steps to eradicate the phenomenon of electoral corruption as a whole and not only in part.

Promo-LEX has also laid down several legal arguments showing that the electoral activity of PB Victorie (Victory) cannot be disguised under paid service and volunteer contracts, as allegedly claimed.

Performance of electoral competitors. During the monitored period, Promo-LEX observers identified 1,799 activities carried out by candidates and referendum participants, with a significant number of events organized by PAS and Maia Sandu (615 activities), while other candidates – Alexandr Stoianoglo (PSRM) and Renato Usatii (PN) – reported 329 and 223 activities, respectively. Electoral campaigning activities included distribution of information materials, meetings with voters and electoral debates.

As regards electoral advertising, Promo-LEX reported 5,073 cases of various forms of advertising, the most common being printed materials (30%) and sponsored advertising (24%).

As for the activities carried out by PR/PB Victorie (Victory), it should be recalled that only PR is registered as a referendum participant. However, it was found that the organizers of the electoral events belong to all the component parties of PB Victorie (Victory), and the promotional materials used (bags, t-shirts, LED billboards with the inscription ‘Victorie’) come mainly from PB Victorie (Victory). Thus, the electoral promotion of the referendum is de facto carried out by the same bloc whose registration was refused by the CEC.

Misuse of administrative resources was found in 114 cases, most of them related to the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) and Maia Sandu (105 cases). Several public officials were involved in the campaign activities, in particular by the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS). Prime Minister Dorin Recean held meetings with voters, where he discussed European integration projects and encouraged support for Maia Sandu. Several ministers were also involved in the electoral campaign, distributing promotional materials in support of Maia Sandu and the ‚YES’ option in the referendum.

Also, cases of using state institutions to accumulate electoral capital, involvement of civil servants in electoral activities during working hours, as well as crediting candidates for public works carried out with public funds were observed.

Involvement of religious denominations in electoral campaigns. Promo-LEX reported 5 other cases in which members of religious denominations were involved in electoral campaigning activities, supporting candidates and using the image of religious buildings in electoral promotional materials. As a reminder, church involvement in electoral processes is forbidden.

Activities with potential for corruption. During the monitored period a number of activities was identified, including the offering of money and goods to influence voting. In several cases PB Victorie (Victory) is involved, which organized events announcing certain benefits for Moldovan citizens living in Russia, as well as electoral meetings with rewards. Victoria Furtună has also been involved in cases of coordinated electoral meetings, which raise suspicions that voters were paid to participate in them.

Electoral competitors’ revenues and expenditures: Between 20 September and 13 October, the total revenues reported by the 11 presidential competitors amounted to approximately 27.8 million MDL, which came mostly from donations from individuals and transfers from party accounts. As for expenditures, they amounted to about 24.7 million MDL, most of which were spent on advertising and promotional materials.

Expenditures estimated by Promo-LEX. The civic monitoring of electoral campaign financing was conducted from 20 September to 13 October 2024 by estimating the expenditures of electoral competitors and comparing them with the amounts declared to the Central Electoral Commission (CEC). Estimates for unreported expenditures include rewards for volunteers and campaigners, promotional materials, social media advertising and event organization. In the presidential elections, unreported expenditures amounted to at least 4,066,387 MDL, the majority of which were related to promotional materials (81%). For the referendum, unreported expenditures of 4,675,512 MDL were estimated, with a similar focus on promotional materials (64%) and social media advertising (16%).

Hate speech and incitement to discrimination. Between 23 September and 6 October 2024, 23 cases of hate speech were identified, 19 of them in an electoral context. These occurred predominantly via mobile apps and at public events, most often based on criteria such as ‘sexual orientation/gender identity’ and ‚health’.

Report no. 4 of the Observation Mission can be accessed here.

The Observation Mission is financially supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Union and the German Marshall Fund of the USA, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the International Organization of Francophonie, and Soros Foundation Moldova. The Observation Mission is carried out under the aegis of the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections.

For additional information:

Dumitrița Ciuvaga
Communicator
Promo-LEX Association
Tel: +373 68 800 827

Promo-LEX submitted the Report No 3 of the Election Observation Mission for the 20 October Elections

Promo-LEX Association released today the third report from the Observation Mission (OM) regarding the presidential elections and the constitutional republican referendum scheduled for 20 October. This report includes insights gathered between 18 September and 1 October. The report mainly highlights the commencement of the electoral campaign, the legal framework pertinent to this process, the performance of the electoral competitors, and the efforts of the electoral bodies in preparation for the elections on 20 October.

Legal Framework. Promo-LEX OM highlights the lack of a clear legal framework concerning the consolidation of elections, the unique aspects of running electoral campaigns for two simultaneous elections, and the participation of unregistered entities in the campaign for one of these elections. As a result, independent candidates in the presidential elections and initiative groups find themselves at a disadvantage, as the legislation does not provide them with the same rights as political parties or electoral blocs that are registered as competitors in both elections.

Furthermore, while legal regulations have been established to penalize the involvement of religious denominations in the electoral campaign, instances of electoral agitation by their representatives have also been noted in this election. In 2016, the Constitutional Court made it clear that the participation of religious denominations in elections constitutes a violation of the Constitution.

Promo-LEX OM advises representatives of religious denominations to refrain from participating in electoral agitation activities. Additionally, the Police should thoroughly investigate and penalize instances of involvement by religious denominations in such activities.

Electoral Bodies and Public Administration During the monitoring period, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) made 106 decisions and accredited a total of 527 observers, including 425 national and 102 international observers. At the local level, the district electoral councils (DECs) operated effectively, although there were a few exceptions. Changes to the nominal composition of members were made in three DECs, and several instances of intimidation directed at DEC officials were reported.

A specific issue arose within DEC no. 38, which was responsible for only two of the five electoral bureaus for polling stations established by CEC in the Russian Federation. Note that CEC is the sole authority that can determine the number of polling stations set up abroad in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Promo-LEX OM emphasizes that MFA and DEC no. 38 must adhere to legal requirements and CEC decisions to ensure timely organization of elections abroad.

Electoral Litigation. The section on electoral litigation outlines the complaints lodged with the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) and district electoral councils (DECs) concerning legal violations, including the misuse of administrative resources, donations, the involvement of minors in the campaign, and inappropriate electoral agitation. CEC adhered to the established deadlines for addressing these complaints.

A total of eight lawsuits were filed in court, addressing issues such as the exclusion of political parties from the list of eligible candidates, the establishment of polling stations, and refusals to register individuals as trusted representatives. These cases were adjudicated by the courts within a timeframe of 2 to 10 days, although the legal deadline was exceeded in two instances.

Designation and Registration of Electoral Competitors After verifying signatures, 11 candidates were registered, of whom five were independent, five supported by parties, and one by an electoral bloc. Igor Munteanu was rejected due to the lack of valid signatures. Overall, 14% of the signatures were invalidated, a lower percentage compared to the previous election. Compared to the 2020 presidential election, the total number of candidates increased, and the proportion of female candidates reached 36%.

In the constitutional referendum, 15 participants were registered, most supporting the “YES” option. Three requests for registration as a participant were rejected on procedural grounds.

Performance of Electoral Competitors In the first ten days of the campaign, Promo-LEX observed at least 792 promotional activities by electoral competitors and for the constitutional referendum. Most of these activities were organized by PAS and Maia Sandu, followed by Alexandr Stoianoglo (PSRM) and Renato Usatîi. Chisinau hosted the highest number of events, accounting for 16%, followed by Balti and other regions. RP/PB Victory organized electoral meetings through private channels and encouraged anti-referendum and anti-EU protests by compensating participants.

Electoral advertising was identified in at least 1,404 instances, with the predominant formats being visibility materials and printed informational brochures. PAS and Maia Sandu led in the use of electoral advertising as well. Additionally, 32 instances of administrative resource abuse were reported, primarily targeting PAS and Maia Sandu (PAS). Other issues included the organized transportation of voters to electoral events, the involvement of religious groups, and acts of voter bribery.

During the monitoring period, reports emerged of goods and food being offered in exchange for voter attendance at electoral events, specifically targeting PB Victory.

Allegations of intimidation against competitors were also noted. Two representatives from PCRM were apprehended while handing out flyers advocating for the “NO” option in the referendum, which were confiscated without adequate explanations. Additionally, candidate Irina Vlah was denied access to a campaign venue by law enforcement officials.

Election and Campaign Financing. The candidates for presidential elections reported a total revenue of nearly 13 million lei during 20 and 30 September 2024, with the majority coming from political party funds. Maia Sandu, Alexandr Stoianoglo, and Renato Usatîi accounted for 89% of the total revenues reported. For the referendum, only PAS disclosed revenues, which were sourced from state budget allocations and donations.

Total reported expenditures surpassed 8.3 million lei, with 90% attributed to three candidates: Maia Sandu, Renato Usatîi, and Alexandr Stoianoglo. The largest expenses were mainly for promotional materials, as well as the production and airing of advertising spots. For the referendum, PAS reported expenditures exceeding 1.2 million lei, primarily for promotional materials and the organization of electoral activities.

Civic monitoring conducted by Promo-LEX identified inconsistencies between the estimated and declared expenses of electoral competitors. Observers calculated costs for various activities, including volunteer compensation, promotional materials, and online advertising, based on minimum market prices.

In the presidential campaign, undeclared expenses were estimated to exceed 2.2 million lei, with the majority (88%) allocated to promotional materials. Additionally, discrepancies were noted regarding the compensation of agitators, event organization, and transportation. Candidates with the highest undeclared expenses were Alexandr Stoianoglo (PSRM), Vasile Tarlev (FMP), and Irina Vlah (IC).

In the context of the constitutional referendum, undeclared expenses reached over 1.1 million lei. These expenses primarily targeted promotional materials (50%), social media advertising (23%), and other related costs. The participants in the referendum for whom these expenses were assessed included RP/PB Victory, PCRM, PAS, and MAN.

Hate Speech and Incitement to Discrimination. Between 9 and 22 September 2024, at least 14 instances of hate speech were documented, with the majority occurring in political and electoral contexts. Among these, six cases were directly linked to the elections, garnering over 134,000 views and 368 shares. Discriminatory incidents were also noted, including negative associations made between politicians and mental health issues, as well as sexist and homophobic messages.

The Observation Mission is financially supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Union, the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the Government of the United Kingdom, the International Organization of La Francophonie, and the Soros Foundation Moldova. This mission is conducted under the auspices of the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections.

Promo-LEX released the second report of the Observation Mission for the election on 20 October

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the Presidential Elections and the Republican Constitutional Referendum released today its second monitoring report covering the period 20 August – 17 September.

The report mainly reflects the process of nominating and registering electoral competitors, the legal framework relevant to this process, the performance of electoral competitors, as well as the work of electoral bodies in preparation for the presidential elections and the referendum on October 20.

Legal framework. The Observation Mission (OM) report highlighted an important aspect related to the participation of the incumbent President in the 20 October election. The Constitutional Court had previously emphasized that the President must be apolitical, and the nomination of Maia Sandu by PAS raised questions about her neutrality. Given the impossibility of suspending the incumbent President from office for the period of the electoral campaign, Promo-LEX OM recommends that the President should refrain from participating in official public events that could be perceived as electoral campaigning activities and should minimize the use of administrative resources during the electoral campaign.

Promo-LEX OM also raised concerns over the refusal of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) to register some initiative groups, citing reasons such as political affiliation of candidates. Although CEC claims that political independence is a prerequisite for running as an independent candidate, the legislation does not expressly regulate such a ground for refusing registration of initiative groups. Promo-LEX recommends clarifying these issues in order to ensure transparency and predictability of the electoral process.

Electoral bodies. The electoral councils were set up within the deadline provided for by the legislation. For the majority of councils (95%), 11 members were appointed. The gender equality is uneven, with the majority of members being women (71%). According to the findings, only 17 out of 37 councils are accessible to people from vulnerable groups. Moreover, three councils (ECEC no. 36 ATUG, no. 37 – for localities on the left bank of the Dniester and no. 38 – for polling stations constituted abroad) did not have adequate premises for carrying out their activities one week after their establishment.

In total, 2,221 polling stations were set up for the autumn election, including 30 polling stations for voters from the left bank of the Dniester and 234 polling stations for voters from abroad set up by CEC in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Code. Promo-LEX OM observers found that most polling stations (81%) were located in houses of culture and educational institutions, including pre-schools.

The organisation of polling stations abroad was carried out according to a legal framework established by the Electoral Code and CEC regulations. The main criterion for establishing polling stations is voter turnout in the last three elections, with other complementary criteria such as pre-registration and information provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A novelty in the electoral legislation for diaspora voting is the introduction of postal voting, with 1,994 citizens registered for this type of voting. CEC approved three polling stations for postal voting.

Promo-LEX has noted some differences between its estimates for the distribution of polling stations abroad and those established by CEC, in particular for Italy and the UK.

As regards the organisation of polling stations for the left bank of the Dniester, even if the number of polling stations has been reduced from 41 (2021) to 30, we believe that access to voting will generally not be affected. One issue remains the freedom to vote, as previous observation experience has shown that one of the main challenges is to counter and sanction organized transportation of voters, as well as possible cases of corruption.

Electoral disputes. During the observation period, Promo-LEX noted that at least eight complaints were submitted to the CEC, most of which were declared inadmissible. A number of complaints concerned allegations of use of administrative resources, electoral campaigning and others. Promo-LEX warns that it is necessary that the resolution of complaints should be carried out within the deadline stipulated by the Electoral Code (3 days, with the possibility of extension by 2 days) and that the complainants should be informed about the remedies available.

During the monitored period, four complaints were filed in court against CEC decisions. Three of them were rejected and in one case the court obliged CEC to issue a reasoned decision.

Nomination and registration of electoral competitors. Between 21-31 August 2024, the Central Electoral Commission received 23 applications for the registration of initiative groups (IGs) in support of 19 presidential candidates, of which 13 were accepted. Three applications were rejected and two did not receive the required number of votes.

Out of the 13 IGs to which subscription lists were issued, 9 candidates submitted their subscription lists and registration files to the CEC, out of which 4 were registered as electoral competitors. CEC received 14 applications for registration as participants in the Constitutional Referendum, registering 10 participants, out of which 8 chose YES and 2 NO.

Performance of electoral competitors. Promo-LEX observed that 12 out of 13 registered IGs carried out 475 activities to collect signatures in support of presidential candidates, with the highest activity in the case of Ion Chicu (PDCM), Renato Usatii (NP (OP)) and Maia Sandu (PAS) – who cumulatively carried out 71% of the total observed activities. No signature collection activities were observed for IG Victoria Furtună (IC).

The activities took place predominantly in Chisinau, but also in other cities (Balti, Dondușeni, Ialoveni, Causeni), and the collection period ranged from 3 to 24 days. Promo-LEX observers found that in the case of at least three candidates, signatures were collected by unauthorized persons.

In the context of the constitutional referendum, the electoral campaign seems to have started ahead of schedule, in violation of the legal provisions, with multiple promotional activities with electoral overtones, including sponsored postings and distribution of information materials. Moreover, violations were identified, such as the lack of complete information on advertising materials.

Misuse of administrative resources. Promo-LEX identified 13 cases of misuse of administrative resources by various political groups and local authorities. Among them, PAS was targeted in 8 cases related to signature collection and EU promotion, BE Împreună (EB Together) and BP Victorie (PB Victory) were involved in using educational resources and organising events serving political purposes, as well as presenting donations as being made by the party. PDCM and LPA were also cited for misuse of administrative resources in the process of collecting signatures and promoting political speeches, respectively.

Activities with voter corruption potential. During the monitored period, activities with voter corruption potential involving PB Victory and PVM (Party for Moldova’s Future) were observed. PB Victory distributed school bags and school supplies to students from socially vulnerable families and provided wheelchairs to some individuals, with reported cases of promises of money against signatures. The PVM was also involved in collecting signatures through unauthorized persons who were allegedly paid for these services.

Election and electoral campaign financing. Most of the IGs have appointed treasurers and reported the opening of the „Electoral Fund” accounts, with the exception of IGs Alexandru Arseni (IC) and Alexandr Stoianoglo (PSRM). Some IGs encountered difficulties in opening accounts thus affecting their activity. In terms of financial reporting, most of the IGs submitted information on financing, albeit with some errors, meeting deadlines. However, irregularities were found in the reporting of expenses. 12 out of 13 registered IGs reported revenues totalling 2,009,727 MDL, of which 292,076 MDL – from material donations (15% of total declared revenues).

For the signature collection activities carried out by 11 IGs, Promo-LEX estimated unreported expenses of at least 580,321 MDL. The highest unreported expenses were in the case of IG Irina Vlah (IC) – 43%, followed by IG Maia Sandu (PAS) – 23%. The most frequent unreported expenses were for promotional materials (52%).

Hate speech. Between 20 August and 8 September 2024, at least 40 cases of hate speech and other expressions of intolerance were identified. Most cases were spread via social media (19 cases) and mobile apps (10 cases). Most often, hate speech was based on political affiliation (12 cases), sexual orientation/gender identity (8 cases) and sex/gender (6 cases).

All 40 cases of hate speech had over 3 million views and more than 23 thousand shares.

As a reminder, Promo-LEX Association launched on 20 August the Observation Mission for the Presidential Elections and Constitutional Referendum. The observation will cover the whole electoral period, including election day and, if necessary, the second round.

Report no. 2 of the Observation Mission can be accessed here.

Promo-LEX Association has launched the Observation Mission for the election of 20 October 2024

Promo-LEX Association has launched the Observation Mission for the presidential election and constitutional referendum of 20 October 2024. The observation will cover the entire election period, including election day and, if necessary, the second round of voting.

The core team of the Mission and 45 long-term observers (LTOs), together with about 740 short-term observers (STOs), will monitor the election at national level, acting as static observers in 600 polling stations, as well as in 70 mobile teams that will visit all other polling stations during the election day. In addition, all polling stations open to voters from the Transnistrian region will be covered with static observers, and at international level observation will be carried out in over 50 polling stations. Promo-LEX will also monitor hate speech and discrimination through seven monitors.

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission will monitor the observance of democratic principles and the national legal framework in the work of electoral bodies, registration of electoral competitors and electoral campaigning, financing of the electoral campaign, and other relevant aspects. On election day, Promo-LEX observers will supervise the opening and closing of polling stations, the voting process, the accessibility of premises, and the summing up of results. Likewise, they will carry out rapid counting of votes. Four interim reports will be presented (five in the event of a second round), and one final report, as well as press releases on election day.

In the context of the launch of the Observation Mission, Promo-LEX presented its first report, which analyzes the social and political background, legal framework, preparations for the presidential election and the constitutional referendum of 20 October, as well as other issues characteristic to the pre-election period.

Background to the election of 20 October 2024. The presidential election and the constitutional referendum this autumn will take place in a context marked, from the point of view of domestic politics, by a comfortable parliamentary and governmental stability for the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), but also by a complicated relationship with the opposition, both in the Parliament and outside it.

A total of 64 parties have the right to participate in these voting events, and so far, at least 17 potential competitors have shown intention to participate in the presidential race and/or in the referendum. The competitiveness of this election is underpinned by both its dual nature and the 2025 parliamentary elections, seen as a major political opportunity.

The integrity of democratic processes in the Republic of Moldova is further challenged by the problem of illegal financing of political and electoral processes. It has long exceeded the limits of an internal political competition and has become, rather, a manifestation of the hybrid war of the Russian Federation against the Republic of Moldova. Although Ilan Shor’s party was declared unconstitutional in 2023, political activity continues through the political bloc “Victorie-Победа” [Victory], significant funds being allocated for its promotion.

Voting this autumn will also have very strong geopolitical valences. The geopolitical insecurity generated by the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine has determined the acceleration of European integration processes, Moldova having managed to open EU accession negotiations in 2023. Against this background, the question asked at the referendum and the presidential election will once again test the West-East geopolitical division in society, with potential effects not only on the Constitution, but also on the social and political life in Moldova and even in the region.

Legal framework. This year’s election is being held under the new Election Code, in force since January 2023, which had been amended several times up to a year before the election. Some of these changes were technical in nature, while others were more significant.

The legislature removed the ban from holding presidential or parliamentary elections along with a constitutional referendum. Promo-LEX criticized this change on the grounds that it could affect the equal opportunities of competitors and the voters’ freedom to form opinions.

In April 2024, the Parliament adopted the law on partial implementation of postal voting. Promo-LEX welcomed the introduction of this alternative method of voting, but also expressed some reservations, especially regarding the decision-making process and the lack of a broad political consensus on this issue.

Related legislation has also been amended. The law on political parties was supplemented with provisions designed to clarify some procedures and legal effects of limiting the activity of political parties. In addition, the amounts of fines for violations admitted in the electoral process and the sanctions for passive electoral corruption were amended in the Contravention Code.

Electoral bodies. The Central Electoral Commission is the authority responsible for organizing and conducting national elections. It adopted and amended several regulatory acts relevant to the election of 20 October 2024, approved the decision on the calendar program and at least 20 other decisions on the organization and conduct of elections.

The CEC’s activity is generally transparent, all meetings being public and broadcast on online platforms. The Commission also conducts various information campaigns for voters. However, the Promo-LEX OM also found some deficiencies related to the publication of information about the adopted draft regulatory acts and decision-making transparency on the institution’s website.

Nomination of candidates and actions with electoral tint. Candidates for presidential election can be officially nominated starting 60 days before the election and up to 30 days before the vote. So, tomorrow, 21 August, the process of nominating presidential candidates officially begins. So far, several candidates have expressed their intention to participate. Promo-LEX emphasizes that this is not a violation, but the electoral promotion of potential candidates before the start of the official campaign can affect the principle of equality of competitors.

Promo-LEX noted that at least eight potential candidates carry out promotional activities, such as setting up tents, distributing fliers, placing sponsored posts in social media, or organizing events. In connection with the constitutional referendum, campaigns for and against were observed, with activities that can influence the vote.

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission found two projects with potential for electoral corruption, coordinated by Ilan Shor, which, through their impact, can affect voters’ freedom to form their opinion in the election. One of them is the initiative to pay allowances of 2,000 MDL through the Russian bank Promsvyazbank to pensioners from certain regions of the country. The other project, GagauziyaLand, was opened on 18 August, with the promise that the entrance and all attractions for children and adults would be free.

Use of administrative resources. During the election period, the use of administrative resources by candidates is prohibited. Although the Venice Commission’s Code of Good Practice on Referendums allows the state to express its opinion for or against the text put to the vote, it still has the obligation to maintain its neutrality and, in particular, not to use public money to promote its opinion.

Between 8 July 2024 and 18 August 2024, the Government of Moldova conducted the information campaign “Europe for You”. The Promo-LEX Observation Mission found that this campaign was planned and promoted from public money after the announcement of the election date, being implemented also during the election period, which can be interpreted as having the purpose of attracting political capital in support of the referendum. In this context, Promo-LEX reiterates the recommendation that such practices should be banned even outside the election period.

Finally, the Promo-LEX report underlines the importance of competitive and transparent elections in Moldova. The association aims to inform the public and authorities about observed trends and to help prevent violations of electoral legislation.

Report no. 1 of the Observation Mission can be accessed here.

Responsibility for the opinions expressed in this report lies with the Promo-LEX Association and does not necessarily reflect the position of the donors. In case of discrepancies between the text in Romanian and its translation into another language, the Romanian version of the report will prevail.

For further information please contact:

Dumitrița Ciuvaga
Communications Manager
Promo-LEX Association
Tel.: +373 68 800 827