Promo-LEX Observation Mission presents the number of incidents on the second-round election day, reported by static observers from the sample of 608 polling stations, and the number of incidents extrapolated nationally. The main findings with regards to opening and closing the polling stations (PSs), the voting process and incidents reported by observers on the election day are presented, as well as an analysis of the outcomes of vote tabulation done by Promo-LEX OM.

A number of 251 incidents were reported after processing all of the reports received from short-term observers (STOs), appointed in the 608 polling stations from the sample.  On the other hand, the estimated number of incidents extrapolated nationally (on the basis of the sample of 608 PSs) is 734, by 489 incidents more compared to the estimates for the first round of election.

It is important to highlight the voters’ civic activism, who showed up to vote even amidst the pandemic in greater numbers than for the 2016 election.  Especially the people who voted in the polling stations abroad stood out. Unfortunately, the civil activism of Diaspora voters was tarnished by the insufficient number of ballot papers in some polling stations.  Though 5000 ballot papers were allocated to each polling station, at least 6 of them ran out of ballot papers before voting end time. In this context, Promo-LEX Association urges authorities and politicians to introduce alternative voting measures.

During the election day, the voting process was organised efficiently in the monitored polling stations. At the same time, Election SAIS was occasionally out of order. The electoral process in the transnistrian region was characterised especially by suspicious of vote buying and organised transportation of voters. The vote secrecy was impacted significantly by the high incidence of people taking pictures of their ballot papers. The observation was affected by isolated cases of Promo-LEX observers intimidation by the Police and electoral officials. Overall, votes were counted in a quick and calm manner.

For more details on the recorded incidents please see the attached PDF presentation.

The outcomes of quick vote counting for the position of President of the Republic of Moldova, carried out by Promo-LEX OM on the basis of protocols collected from PEBs, confirm the preliminary CEC results, within the error margin of +-1.8% of the sample.

The Observation Mission for the Elections of the President of the Republic of Moldova on 1 (15) November 2020 is conducted by Promo-LEX Association with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) via the ‘Democracy, Transparency and Accountability’ Program, the Good Governance Department of Soros Foundation-Moldova under ‘Monitoring the Presidential Elections of 1 November 2020’ Project, and the Council of Europe under ‘Support for civic observation of 2020 Presidential Election in polling stations abroad’. ‘Hate speech’ component is supported by Justice and Human Rights Department of Soros Foundation-Moldova under ‘Consolidation of a platform for the development of activism and education in the area of human rights in Moldova – stage IV’ Project.

The translation and dissemination of this report was financially supported by the European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE), which is financially supported by the European Union and funds by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, including its ifa funding program zivik.

If there are any discrepancies between the text in Romanian and its translation, the provisions formulated in Romanian shall prevail. 

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

15 November 2020
Time: 7:00 p.m.

Promo-LEX Observation Mission of the Presidential Election in the Republic of Moldova of 1 (15) November 2020 informs that as of 7:00 p.m. the Mission had received 543 incident reports from observers, Promo-LEX analytical team processed 327 reports, and this press release contains information on 168 incidents.

For the first round of presidential elections of 1 November 2020, as of 7:00 p.m., the Promo-LEX OM found 446 incidents, of which the 366 were processed by the central team of the Promo-LEX, and the press release at 7:00 p.m. contained information on 170 incidents.

New details on the conduct of election:

Promo-LEX Observation Mission of the Presidential Election in the Republic of Moldova of 1 (15) November 2020 finds,

Intimidation of observers or restriction of free observation in the polling station – 8 cases

• PS 2/42 Balti, Balti. Although the observer asked twice (12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.) the PEB Chairperson for the number of voters who turned up, the latter said he didn’t have the right to give out that information.
• PS 18/061, Floresti, Stefanesti. The observer was not allowed to take pictures inside the PS.
• PS 1/87 Chisinau, Buiucani. The PEB Chairperson made a remark about the Promo-LEX observer ‘writing too much’. When the PEB Chairperson was asked, at 2:52 p.m. how they solved the problem of a voter who flagged up that somebody else had already signed under his name on the list of voters, the PEB Chairperson had answered that they just that and that was all.
• PS 1/218, Chisinau, Rascani. The observer of one of the candidates has been often intimidating the Promo-LEX observer asking him why he wasn’t reporting anything.
• PS 1/116 Chisinau, Center. The international observers wanted to take a picture of the PS, however the PEB Chairperson and some of the PEB members did not allow them to, arguing that they didn’t want to be in the picture.
• PS 27/25 Riscani, Hiliuti. At 4:45 p.m. a policemen asked the Promo-LEX observer for details regarding organised voter transportation (which the observer reported in the first half of the day), with the intention to fill out a protocol. The observer explained that an official requests is to be filed with the Promo-LEX Association. However, the law enforcement representatives asked the STO verbally to come on 17.11.2020, at 9:00 a.m. at the Rascani PI.
• PS 06/004 Briceni, Lipcani. The police was called at the PS because a voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The police officers claimed that they were called by Promo-LEX and asked for explanations.
• PS 06/026 Briceni, Halahora de Sus. The police was called because the legal procedures regarding the sealing of ballot boxes were violated. The police officers claimed that they were called by Promo-LEX, which was not true.

Temporary limitation of access to TV and internet provided by Moldtelecom after 7:00 p.m. in these regions: Chisinau Municipality, Balti Municipality,  Nisporeni, Anenii Noi, Criuleni, Stefan Voda, Causeni, Straseni.

Unjustified presence of unauthorised people inside or within 100 m from the polling station – 7 cases

• PSs 37/04 and 37/05, transnistrian region, Anenii Noi, Calfa. Chiril Motpan, PPPDA Member of Parliament, visited both PSs and talked to PEB members and then left.
• PS 07/048 Cahul, Lucesti. One person who identified himself as observer was inside the PS. However, he did not have his credentials because he had allegedly forgotten it at home.
• PS 25/037 Orhei, Isacova. The ‘Merisor’ mobile social store was seen in the radius of 100 m away from the polling station.
• PS 18/016 Floresti, Ciutulesti. One person spent some 15 minutes in the PS without any business, then went to an auxiliary room of the PS.
• PS 1/232 Chisinau, Rascani. A person aged around 30-40 has been accompanying more voters more than 3 times (50+ years olds) to the polling station. The PEB Chairperson was informed about it. He talked to the man who was not seen again at the PS afterwards.
• PS 33/16 Taraclia, Aluatu. A voter spent about 30 minutes inside the PS, next to one of the operators. The PEB Chairperson did not remark upon it.
• PS 07/063 Cahul, Zirnesti. A police officer was spotted 10-15 m away from the PS, in the car. When the PEB Chairperson became aware of it, he told the police officer to park elsewhere.

Rumors, attempts or even situations of in-kind or cash rewards offered to voters within the are of 100 m from the polling station in order to influence them – 5 cases.

• PS 9/7 Calarasi, Calarasi. At 1:30 p.m. about 10 people were talking just outside the PS that voters who prove they voted for a particular candidate would be rewarded wit a ‘voucher’ which they needed to show at the bar in the centre of the town to receive, in return, drinks worth MDL 200.
• PS 1/213, Chisinau, Riscani. At 12:45 p.m. two voters announced the Elections SAIS operators that they were told to go vote. When the observer asked them who it was, the voters answered that it was some people wearing red vests.
• PS 1/325 Russia, Moscow. There were rumours that there were groups of people around the PS that voted in return for money. The observer did not manage to confirm or otherwise the rumours by the time of reporting.
• PS 37/29 transnistrian region, Dubasari, Dorotcaia. Four women and a man, who had voted, walked together to the back of blue Seat (VRN: E 614BH). The man took out of his wallet a bill and gave it to one of the women. It was not possible though to see what denomination it was. The other women were also given something, but it was not possible to tell what exactly. They all left in that car. Other observers noticed it too.
• PS 37/31 transnistrian region, Dubasari, Ustia. The Promo-LEX observers overheard a discussion between two police officers in charge of public order around the PS. They were saying that a voter mentioned voter bribing was underway at the Bus Depot in Dubasari where someone kept a list and motivated thus voters to vote for a particular candidate. They would then have to show the loose leaf of their ID carrying the ‘Second Round of Presidential Elections’ stamp to receive a reward of MDL 200.

Organised voter transportation (by buses, passenger vans or other vehicles that wouldn’t normally be around) – 9 cases.

• PS 15/006 Dubasari, Dorotcaia. Transnistrian voters are being transported to this polling station. A van (АГЗ 752) transported voters twice to this PS from early morning till 9:00 a.m. – about 7 people each time. A yellow Volkswagen with Moldovan VRN: MHQ 752 also transported voters at 9:00 a.m. and 2:20 p.m.
• PS 18/026, Floresti, Cunicea. There are 2 polling stations in Cunicea. However, there are people who show up at the PS and are found neither in the Elections SAIS, nor in the main lists of voters. When an elderly voter is not found on the list, the observer of one of the candidates offers them transportation to the other PS. Voters were taken to the other PS by the observer’s car – LADA 2104, VRN: CZL 063, at least 5 times throughout the day. The PEB Chairperson explained that those voters needed help because they were old.
• PS 37/28 transnistrian region, Dubasari, Dorotcaia. Organised transportation of voters from the transnistrian region: 5-6 people per ride in a grey VW B 081BM. This car was seen twice.
• PS 9/35 Calarasi, Sadova. An Audi QMK 322 continues to bring voters. Also, a Toyota AGZ 330 was seen later at 3:00 p.m. bringing 3 people.
• PS 36/8, ATUG, Comrat. A red car was seen transporting voters to the PS several times throughout the day. The STO said that the car was last seen used by PEB members to take the mobile ballot box to voters. The mobile ballot box was being accompanied by an observer of one of the contenders. The STO confirmed having seen this car in the first round as well. The PEB Chairperson explained that the car was a taxi car.
• PS 9/044, Calarasi, Tibirica. A Mercedes Sprinter (AAH 062) brought voters to the PS in an organised manner. It was seen twice when voting just began. This vehicle is owned by the Mayoralty of Tibirica and it has room for about 15 people.
• PS 12/008, Criuleni, Baltata. The Promo-LEX observer was informed that organised voter transportation had been spotted. Four vehicles were seen transporting voters regularly (about four times every 30 minutes). The PEB Chairperson did not do anything about it.
• PSs 37/38 and 37/39, transnistrian region. A green Mazda (VRN: T 711 MK) was seen bringing, in an organised way, about 3 voters. The car was seen 3 times. A PEB member noticed it and called the police. The driver, who did not carry his driver’s license, was issued a protocol by the police officer who arrived to address the situation.
• PSs 37/37 and 37/39, transnistrian region. Voters were being brought to the PS by a red Toyota (P 553 CX). This car was seen bringing voters about 3 times.

Preventing the access of voters and organised transport to polling stations set up for the transnistrian region – 1 case.

• Transnistrian region. About 10 people attempted to block the road in the proximity of the border control point at the Rezina-Ribnita bridge at 2:53 p.m. Law enforcement responded to tone things down.

Presence of advertising materials, electoral billboards and posters in the vicinity of the polling station (within the area of 100 m from the PS) – 2 cases.

• PS 4/34, Anenii Noi, Speia. At some point during the day, an unidentified person stuck a flyer promoting a particular candidate on the information board in the PS yard. It was noticed and removed immediately at around 2:00 p.m. There were no other posters in the morning in the 100 m radius around the PS.
• PS 30/001, Straseni, Straseni. There was a banner of a candidate some 50 m away from the PS entrance (2 m by 3 m).

Electioneering or black PR within the radius of 100 m and/or near the polling station to influence the voters – 7 cases.

• PS 9/35 Calarasi, Sadova. Five people were seen in the area of 100 m from the PS talking to other people who were on their way to vote, urging them to vote for a particular candidate for five hours straight.
• PS 6/4 Briceni, Lipcani. Three people – a man and two women, were stopping people on their way to the PS within 200 m from the PS at 3:10 p.m. to ask them who they were going to vote for and insisting that they vote for a particular candidate.
• SV 1/349 Federal Republic of Germany, Frankfurt on Main. At 8:34 a voter entered the PS and voted holding a bag with a stuffed toy animal stuck on it.
• PS 32/21 Stefan Voda, Popeasca. A voter shouted inside the PS shouted ‘May they win!’ at 5:07 p.m. The PEB members reprimanded him, but did not comment on the situation.
• PS 32/15 Stefan Voda, Festelita. At 5:50 p.m., a voter remained for a little while longer in the PS after he cast his vote to electioneer for one of the candidates. When the PEB Chairperson urged him to leave, the voter refused to do so. Things were settled 7 minutes later after law enforcement response.
• PS 06/004 Briceni, Lipcani. There was a person electioneering for one of the candidates some 100 m away from the PS. This went on for a long period of time.
• PS 06/026 Briceni, Halahora de Sus. The police came on a call that was reportedly made by Promo-LEX in relation to someone having taken a picture of the ballot paper. The observer witnessed the incident. The PEB Chairperson talked to the voter and the picture was deleted as a result of that.

Interrupted video recording of electoral procedures for polling station opening or procedures of ballot papers counting – 4 cases.

• PS 06/016 Briceni, Colicauti. The camera was not turned off after the polling station was opened. EOPS members failed to take any measures.
• PS 27/046, Riscani, Sumna. The video camera in the PS 46 from Bulhac was not turned off after the polling station opening procedure finished.
• PS 06/040 Briceni, Caracusenii Vechi. The video camera continued recording even after the polling station opening procedure finished.
• PS 06/037 Briceni, Tabani. The video camera was not turned off. It continued to work throughout the entire day recording the whole voting process.

Deficient operation of Elections SAIS (suspended functionalities; situations where Elections SAIS showed that the voter had voted, although the latter claimed he had not) – 21 cases.

• PS 11/004 Cimislia, Cimislia. Elections SAIS showed that a voter was not registered at his place of residence in the radius of the PS, although that was the address in his ID card. The PEB Chairperson demanded a written declaration from him stating that he lived on the address stated in the ID card. The voter was allowed to vote.
• PS 1/410, Romania, Cluj. At 7:30 a.m. Elections SAIS system did not function for 15 minutes.
• PS 1/406, Romania, Bucharest. At 7:30 a.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for 20 minutes.
• PS 1/325, Russian Federation, Moscow. At 8:30 a.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for 15 minutes.
• PS 1/339, Russian Federation, Surgut Hanti-Mansiisk. At 10:35 a.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for 15 minutes.
• PS 1/409, Romania, Timisoara. At around 7:30 a.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for approximately 7 minutes.
• PS 1/443, Denmark, Copenhagen. At around 10:55 a.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for approximately 5 minutes.
• PS 1/369, Italy, Parma. At around 8:15 a.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for approximately 7 minutes.
• SV 1/353 Germany, Kassel. At around 9:12 a.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for approximately 10 minutes.
• PS 1/301, Chisinau, Colonita. At 3:35, the voter came to the PS, but he was recorded in the Elections SAIS as a person who voted, but the loose leaf had no stamp on it. PEB Chairperson called CEC, and a Fact-Finding Report was drawn up afterward and the voter voted.
• PS 1/105 Chisinau, Botanica. At 4:48 p.m. a voter came to vote in the polling station from where he got a voting right certificate. Initially, the Chairperson did not allow him to vote. Subsequently, due to the fact that the voter was already introduced in the Elections SAIS in this polling station, checking his assignment, the PEB Chairperson was searching for the voter in order to invite him to vote. Finally, the voter expressed his vote in this polling station.
• PS 12/23, Criuleni, Izbeste. A voter came to the PS, but according to the Elections SAIS she already voted. The voter claims she didn’t vote. The Chairperson did not allow the lady to vote.
• PS 32/15 Stefan Voda, Festelita. At 5:07 p.m., PEB Chairperson was called and notified about 2 persons who tried to vote being abroad, but Elections SAIS showed they voted at the place of residence in the Republic of Moldova. The PEB Chairperson could not explain this issue. As a result, a finding on the issue was developed.
• PS 1/398, United Kingdom, Manchester. At 2:55 p.m., Elections SAIS identified two voters who expressed their votes in Stefan Voda, although they were abroad. PEB members allowed them to vote.
• PS 1/433, USA, Denver. A voter currently changed his ID documents between the first and the second round, and he could not be identified in the SRV. As a result, voter was allowed to vote under statutory declaration.
• PS 1/342, France, Strasbourg. An operator within a PS in Stefan Voda, Republic of Moldova, entered inaccurate ID data of a voter, and it resulted that a voter from Strasbourg voted in Stefan Voda. The issue was solved and the voter could vote.
• PS 1/346, France, Lyon. At around 2:10 p.m., the Elections SAIS was out of order for approximately 10 minutes.
• PS 1/346, France, Lyon. At around 3:20 p.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for approximately 5 minutes.
• PS 1/379, Italy, Mestre. At around 2:17 p.m, Elections SAIS was out of order for approximately 20 minutes.
• PS 11/26 Cimislia, Hirtop. A voter showed up at the PS to vote at 6:00 p.m. In Elections SAIS it was recorded he voted in a hospital in Chisinau were he would be still hospitalised. Although the voter declared he did not vote, and according to the observer, the operator did not check the stamp in the loose leaf of the ID card, the voter was prohibited to vote.
• PS 04/020, Anenii Noi, Delacau. Starting 12:00 p.m., deficient operation of Elections SAIS were noted (interruptions). Voters ID’s were recorded on a paper and were later entered into the Elections SAIS.

Problematic aspects related to voting by mobile ballot box – 9 cases.

• PS 06/002 Briceni, Briceni. Promo-LEX observer was informed that the family doctors from Briceni Clinic were urgently called at work in order to issue medical documents allowing to vote using the mobile ballot box.
• PS 1/225, Chisinau, Rascani. There were16 requests for voting at the place of stay on the morning of the election day. When called, the voters confirmed only 6 requests. PEB members decided to came only to those voters who’s requests were confirmed by phone.
• PS 1/193, Chisinau, Rascani. The social worker filed a request for voting at the place of stay on the behalf of another person. The social worker is outside the PS. PEB Chairperson announced CEC and the Commission allowed the displacement of the mobile ballot box to the voter.
• PS 1/213, Chisinau, Rascani. A social worker who would be a party member submitted a request for voting at the place of stay on the behalf of another voter without proving documents.
• PS 1/224, Chisinau, Rascani. The social worker, who would be a member or a follower of a party and in charge for Central disctrict, submitted 5 requests for voting at the place of stay without attaching medical documents.
• PS 1/223, Chisinau, Rascani. At 5:07 p.m, the daughter of a voter requested the mobile ballot box. The request was not submitted during the time provided by the law. PS Chairperson and both candidates’ observers drafted a minute that they are not against displacement of the mobile ballot box to the voter.
• PS 1/190, Chisinau, Rascani. PEB members left with the mobile ballot box having 11 requests, but they returned with 12 ballot papers. A voter requested the mobile ballot box for herself. When the ballot box arrived, her husband also requested a ballot paper because he was in quarantine. The issue was discussed with the PEB Chairperson who allowed to vote.
• PS 1/291, Chisinau, Stauceni. The mobile ballot box left with 12 requests, but returned with 15 votes. PEB Chairperson argued that there was one more family of three members placed in quarantine.
• PS 18/055, Floresti, Rosietici. Voters from Rosietici Vechi can be found on the voter lists of Rosietici village. Thus, the mobile ballot box left to the neighboring village.

Deficiencies in the lists of voters (gaps between addresses; deceased voters; signatures instead of other people) – 10 cases.

• PS 1/87 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 2:52 p.m. a voter found that another voter signed instead of him in the main lists of voters. When the PEB Chairperson was asked how they solved the problem, the PEB Chairperson had answered that they just solved and that was all.
• PS 1/117 Chisinau, Center. At 3:32 p.m. one voter noticed a stranger registered at his address.
• PS 1/291, Chisinau, Stauceni. At 4:12 p.m., one voter entered the polling station and announced the PEB Chairperson that one more person was domiciled at his address and that he didn’t know that person. He was drunk and he got into conflict with the PS Chairperson. The voter went away before the police came.
• PS 34/5, Telenesti, Banesti. A voter signed by mistake instead of another voter. This was found when the voter instead of whom he signed came to vote. The PEB members drafted a fact-finding document on the basis of this situation.
• PS 11/24, Cimislia, Gura Galbenei. One voter found that someone mistakenly signed instead of him. The PEB members asked him to sign instead of the voter who signed by mistake instead of him.
• PS 36/19, ATUG, Ceadîr Lunga. At 3:35 p.m., a voter found that another voter signed instead of him. PEB Chairperson tried to fix the problem by identifying the error in the lists. Ten minutes later, given that the process of checking and solving the issue was delayed, the voter went away without voting.
• PS 11/26 Cimislia, Hirtop. At 5:43 p.m., the PEB members found that the number of voters registered in the SRV at that PS, who participated in the elections is not consistent with the number of voters from the main list of voters, which has by 3 voters less. The PEB Chairperson was trying to find the reason.
• PS 18/055, Floresti, Rosietici. The voters from Rosieticii Vechi v. are not on the lists of voters and are redirected to Rosietici v.
• PS 18/029, Floresti, Ghindesti. About 90 voters were not found in the lists of voters. PEB Chairperson said they had the same issue during the first round of elections. The voters have their residence in Ghindesti v., but they are included on the lists of voters of Ghindesti t.
• PS 01/261, Chisinau, Singera. Two voters that were not on the main lists were redirected by PEB members to another PS. Later on, the voters came back and expressed their indignation as regards this situation. The voters were included on the additional list of voters and they were allowed to vote.

Unjustified group voting (2 or more people were in the voting booth at the same time) – 4 cases

• PS 12/11, Criuleni, Corjova. At 1:11 and 1:15 p.m., in two cases, two individuals entered the voting booth at the same time. In both cases, those individuals didn’t need help. The PEB Chairperson was not in the PS at that moment.
• PS 1/100 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 3:04 p.m., two individuals voted in group without any reason.
• PS 11/15 Cimislia, Batîr. Two voters came together at the PS and voted. The lady showed the ballot paper to the person who accompanied her. None of PEB members reacted to that situation.
• PS 10/41 Causeni, Taraclia. Two voters entered in the voting booth to vote, husband and wife. Various observers informed the PEB members about this case, but with no result.

Taking pictures of the ballot papers, other violations of the secret ballot (submission of ID card on the basis of which the voter had already voted, inappropriate laying out of booths because of which one could see who other voters cast their vote for) – 42 cases.

• PS 1/216, Chisinau, Rascani. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. At the insistence of PEB members the picture was deleted.
• PS 1/154, Chisinau, Ciocana. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. At the insistence of PEB members the picture was deleted.
• PS 1/194, Chisinau, Rascani. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The Chairperson did not see that.
• PS 1/195, Chisinau, Rascani. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The PEB Chairperson did not see that. The picture was not deleted.
• PS 1/91 Chisinau, Buiucani. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The picture was deleted.
• PS 1/92 Chisinau, Buiucani. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The picture was deleted.
• PS 32/007 Stefan Voda, Berezoaia. A PEB member was sitting too close to the ballot box. In this way he monitored the choice of each voter.
• PS 1/368, Italian Republic, Reggio Emilia. At 7:12 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/369, Italian Republic, Parma. At 7:32 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/369, Italian Republic, Parma. At 7:36 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/137 Chisinau, Center. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper. When the Chairperson was notified the voter was asked to delete the picture and he was supposed to do so.
• PS 1/92 Chisinau, Buiucani. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper. At the request of PEB Chairperson to delete the picture, the voter refused to comply and invoked the right to vote. The voter deleted the picture only after the police was notified.
• PS 11/24, Cimislia, Gura Galbenei. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The voter said he deleted the picture after the PEB Chairperson intervened.
• SV 1/353 Germany, Kassel. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/369, Italy, Parma. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• SV 1/353 Germany, Kassel. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/420 Spain, Barcelona. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/369, Italy, Parma. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/397, United Kingdom, Northampton. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/340 France, Paris. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/420 Spain, Barcelona. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/340 France, Paris. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• SV 1/353 Germany, Kassel. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/369, Italy, Parma. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 8/39, Cantemir, Sadic. Two voters took pictures of their ballot paper. In both cases the picture was deleted.
• PS 18/020, Floresti, Cuhurestii de Jos. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The PEB members intervened and the lady deleted the picture.
• PS 18/004 Floresti, Floresti. At 4:50 p.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The observer together with the PEB Chairperson called the police, which asked him to delete the picture. The voter didn’t want to comply and the police told him to come tomorrow at the section.
• PS 2/42 Balti, Balti. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The picture was not deleted.
• PS 37/14 transnistrian region, Causeni. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The picture was not deleted, the voter left the PS.
• PS 25/012 Orhei, Orhei. One voter took a picture of his ballot paper. He left the PS without deleting the picture.
• PS 25/012 Orhei, Orhei. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The PEB Chairperson did not manage to delete the picture because the voter managed to leave the PS.
• PS 11/24, Cimislia, Gura Galbenei. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. He deleted the picture at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 32/19 Stefan Voda, Olanesti. The voting booths are too close to the table of the operators who can easily see who the voters vote for. A voter said that he was threatened during the first round of elections after someone saw who he voted for.
• PS 11/24, Cimislia, Gura Galbenei. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper and he didn’t comply when the PEB Chairperson asked him to delete the picture.
• PS 1/406, Romania, Bucharest. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/420 Spain, Barcelona. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/377, Italy, Treviso. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• SV 1/353 Germany, Kassel. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 1/369, Italy, Parma. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 35/35, Ungheni, Costuleni. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper, but at the PEB chairperson’s request it was deleted.
• PS 35/3, Ungheni. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper, but at the request of those who were present in the PS, it was deleted.
• PS 06/037 Briceni, Tabani. The voting booths were disinfected including when the voters were making their choice, which violated the secret ballot.

Failure to observe COVID-19 protection and prevention measures – 16 cases.

• PS 1/291, Chisinau, Stauceni. About 12 people entered the PS, while there were only 5 voting booths. The Chairperson did nothing.
• PS 31/006, Soldanesti, Chipesca. The COVID-19 protection rules are not observed (the body temperature is not taken, the hands are not disinfected).
• PS 06/016 Briceni, Colicauti. The COVID-19 protection rules are not observed (the PEB members do not wear masks/face shields).
• PS 18/052, Floresti, Prodanesti. More voters than the number of voting booths (3) are allowed to enter the PS.
• PS 31/019, Soldanesti, Gauzeni. The COVID-19 protection rules are not observed. The body temperature is not taken at the entry in the PS.
• PS 06/040 Briceni, Caracusenii Vechi. The COVID-19 protection rules are not observed (the PEB members do not wear masks/face shields).
• PS 06/040 Briceni, Caracusenii Vechi, Tristieni v. The COVID-19 protection rules are not observed (the PEB members do not wear masks/face shields).
• PS 18/061, Floresti, Stefanesti. The COVID-19 protection rules are not observed (the PEB members do not wear gloves/masks).
• PS 18/016 Floresti, Ciutulesti. The PS lacks the register in which the temperature should be recorded.
• PS 18/013, Floresti, Casunca. More voters than the number of voting booths (4) are allowed to enter the PS.
• PS 1/405, Netherlands, The Hague. The temperature of the members and observers of the polling station was not taken.
• PS 32/3 Stefan Voda. A large number of voters were allowed to enter the PS at the same time. The PEB Chairperson managed to address the issue and to scatter the crowd.
• PS 1/218 Chisinau, Rascani. At 5:35 p.m., the person in charge of taking the temperature exited the PS. While that person was missing, an observer of a contender measured the temperature.
• PS 6/14 Briceni, Caracusenii Vechi. The PEB members do not wear face shields.
• PS 10/41 Causeni, Taraclia. A lady who did not wear a mask entered the PS. She was offered a disposable mask, but she refused to wear it despite the fact that she was warned about it.
• PS 01/208, Chisinau, Rascani. A number of 12 voters were inside the PS. The COVID-19 protection measures are not observed. The PEB Chairperson said he hadn’t noticed the crowd.

Ballot boxes were not sealed according to the legal procedures/tearing/damage or absence of seals on ballot boxes — 15 cases.

• PS 06/040 Briceni, Caracusenii Vechi. Two out of three stationary ballot boxes in the PS were not sealed.
• PS 18/061, Floresti, Stefanesti. One of those two stationary ballot boxes in the PS was sealed with 2 seals only. PEB Chairperson said they didn’t have enough seals.
• PS 06/005 Briceni, Lipcani. The seal of the ballot box was applied inappropriately, which allows to open the ballot box.
• PS 10/003 Causeni, Causeni. One of the stationary ballot boxes was not sealed. This box was used as stand for the ballot box they used.
• PS 13/027, Donduseni, Taul. There are 3 stationary ballot boxes in the PS and all of them have 3 seals each. The PEB Chairperson explained that CEC issued few seals.
• PS 13/027 Riscani, Riscani. The mobile ballot box is not sealed. The PEB Chairperson said the ballot box would be sealed when it will leave the PS.
• PS 01/268, Chisinau, Vadul lui Voda. The stationary ballot boxes were not sealed according to the legal provisions. One of the ballot boxes has 2 seals and the other has 3 seals.
• PS 34/036, Telenesti, Saratenii Vechi. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed only with 3 seals. PEB Chairperson said they received only 7 seals, per 3 seals for stationary ballot boxes and 1 for the mobile ballot box.
• PS 27/054 Riscani, Zaicani. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed by only 2 seals each.
• PS 1/443, Denmark, Copenhagen. The ballot box was sealed by only 2 seals instead of 4.
• PS 32/15 Stefan Voda, Festelita. Certain ballot boxes were sealed by 3 seals. The PEB Chairperson explained that the seals were insufficient.
• PS 6/14 Briceni, Caracusenii Vechi. Only one of two ballot boxes from the PS, was sealed. The PEB Chairperson explained that few people come to vote and they will not need the second box.
• PS 06/035 Briceni, Slobozia- Sirauti. The seal of the ballot box was applied inappropriately, which allows to open the ballot box.
• PS 33/006 Taraclia, Taraclia. One of the stationary ballot boxes was not sealed. This box was used as stand for the ballot box they used.
• PS 06/024 Briceni, Grimancauti. The observer noticed that a seal was ripped. Once informed about it, PEB Chairperson said the seal was accidentally ripped.

Electricity outages – 3 cases.

• PS 18/058, Floresti, Sanatauca. At 2:38 p.m., the electricity went down for 15 minutes. The voting process was not interrupted because the computers of the operators were on charged battery.
• PS 37/35 transnistrian region, Floresti, Sanatauca. During the day, at 2:00 p.m. and 2:19 p.m., the electricity in the PS went out for 5-7 minutes each time. The voting process was not interrupted.
• PS 37/35 transnistrian region, Floresti, Sanatauca. For the third time, at 4:40 p.m., the electricity went out for 10-15 minutes. The voting process was not stopped.

Unjustified suspension of PEB activity – 1 case.

• PS 1/58 Chisinau, Botanica. Voting was stalled for about 15 minutes at around 2 p.m., for a disinfection and ventilation break in the PS.

Other – 14 cases

• PS 1/218, Chisinau, Rascani. The observer of a contender offer consultation to voters if they have questions and gets involved in the activity of PEB (distribute masks, take the temperature). The PEB Chairperson reprimanded the observer.
• Chisinau municipality. A Promo-LEX observer received a SMS, which encouraged him to vote. The message was signed as being sent by a contender.
• PS 27/054 Riscani, Zaicani. The PEB Chairperson does not report the number of voters who cast their votes until a certain hour. Respectively, the observers did not receive these data.
• PS 06/021 Briceni, Criva. The stamps ‘Voted’ are not in the voting booths, but are hold in hands by the PEB members, who give them to every voter. The PEB Chairperson said this is a measure for preventing a further theft of the stamp.
• PS 1/348, Federal Republic of Germany, Berlin. Given that the polling station was not equipped for the people with disabilities, and the polling station is at the second floor, at 7:52 a.m. the PEB members took at the first floor a voting booth and a ballot box in order to create conditions for these people to vote. After they voted, the voting booth and the ballot box were taken back to the PS.
• PS 37/6 transnistrian region, Anenii Noi, Gura Bacului. Outside the PS the voters of the transnistrian region had an argument with the Radio Free Europe journalists, whose questions concerning the amount of money they receive and the reason why they do not speak the state language have upset them. The police was notified. The argument was settled.
• PS 1/382, Italy, Brescia. In the voting booth a ballot paper with the cast vote was found. The PEB Chairperson threw it in the ballot box.
• PS 1/349 Frankfurt on Main. As a result of the bomb alert, the PEB 1/349 Chairperson of Frankfurt on Main decided to suspend the voting for 1 hour, until 17:35, Moldova Time Zone. According to the observers, the local police received an anonymous call about a potential bomb alert in the vicinity of the PS. The police evacuated the area, the entrance on the territory was not admitted for security reasons. According to the police estimates, it will be necessary 1-1.5 hours to check the area for explosive.
• PS 1/95 Chisinau, Buiucani. One voter wanted to enter the PS without a mask. She discussed with the PS Chairperson, claiming that, according to a certain law, she had the right to enter. After the police intervention, the voter submitted a demand, but she did not vote.
• PS 1/213, Chisinau, Rascani. A voter with special needs came to vote with her daughter. She requested to enter the voting booth together with her daughter to help her to vote. The PEB Chairperson did not allow her, for the reason that she was a family member. She decided that the respective person could enter the voting booth accompanied by a voter who had already voted.
• PS 33/2, Taraclia. At 01:20 p.m., the observer of a candidate took a photo of a couple of voters with the ballot papers in front of a ballot box. PEB did not comment on the incident.
• PS 06/002, Soldanesti, Cotiujenii Mari. PEB members mentioned that the PS has not a complaints register.
• PS 06/035 Briceni, Slobozia- Sirauti. One voter was not admitted to enter the PS because he did not have a mask. After he left the PS, the PEB Chairperson called him back to vote and gave him a mask.
• PS 01/001 Chisinau, Botanica. Promo-LEX observer was called at 03:27 p.m. from the 022 802802-070 number by a 19 years old young man named Valerii. The observer was asked if he is going to vote and/or if he already voted. The interlocutor’s message was: ‘we do not indicate you for whom to vote, but we ask you to go to vote in order to ensure the number…’

The press release is developed as part of the Observation Mission for the Elections of the President of the Republic of Moldova on 1 (15) November 2020, conducted by Promo-LEX Association with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) via the ‘Democracy, Transparency and Accountability’ Program, the Good Governance Department of Soros Foundation-Moldova under ‘Monitoring the Presidential Elections of 1 November 2020’ Project, and the Council of Europe under ‘Support for civic observation of 2020 Presidential Election in polling stations abroad’. ‘Hate speech’ component is supported by Justice and Human Rights Department of Soros Foundation-Moldova under ‘Consolidation of a platform for the development of activism and education in the area of human rights in Moldova – stage IV’ Project.

The opinions set out in the public reports and press releases of Promo-LEX OM are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of funders or partners. The content of this document can be subject to editing.

If there are any discrepancies between the text in Romanian and its translation, the provisions formulated in Romanian shall prevail.

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

15 November 2020
Time: 2:00 p.m.

Promo-LEX Observation Mission of the Presidential Election in the Republic of Moldova of 1 (15) November 2020 informs that as of 2:00 p.m. the Mission had received 337 incident reports from observers, Promo-LEX analytical team processed 221 reports, and this press release contains information on 159 incidents:

For the first round of presidential elections of 1 November 2020, as of 2:00 p.m., the Promo-LEX OM found 326 incidents, of which the 196 were processed by the central team of the Promo-LEX, and the press release at 2:00 p.m. contained information on 161 incidents.

New details on the conduct of election:

Promo-LEX Observation Mission of the Presidential Election in the Republic of Moldova of 1 (15) November 2020 finds,

Intimidation of observers or restriction of free observation in the polling station – 3 cases

• PS 1/196, Chisinau, Riscani. The PEB Chairperson told the observer he was not allowed to make pictures inside the polling station.
• PS 16/1 Edinet, Edinet. The Promo-LEX observer was insulted and admonished by the PEB Chairperson. This was due to the fact that the observer reported an incident.
• Brinzeni, Edinet. At 11:45 a.m. the Promo-LEX observer was denied the access in the Psycho-neurological Hospital from Brinzeni v. Although the observer was equipped with gloves, mask and face shield, he was not allowed to enter because he had no protection costume. The employees from the facility said they had a possible case of Covid-19. Nonetheless, the PEB members and the observers of both candidates entered the hospital with the mobile ballot box.

Cases of offering money to voters – 1 case.

• The transnistrian region, Bender municipality. Promo-LEX observers found that after voting, the voters from the transnistrian region go to ‘BAM’ sector of Bender municipality, near the shop Hermes. There, after presenting the loose leaf of the ID with the stamp for the presidential elections, they get MDL 400. For that, they should sign on a record list. According to the observers, only those who were previously included on the lists receive money. According to the lady responsible for the list, she has to report for the distributed money.

Rumors, attempts or even situations of in-kind or cash rewards offered to voters within the area of 100 m from the polling station in order to influence them – 11 cases.

• PS 37/37 transnistrian region, Rezina. One voter asked the observer to pay him for his vote. He said that he heard that at the PSs opened for the voters form the transnistrian region, voters are paid with MDL 800.
• PS 37/37 transnistrian region. At 9:47 a.m., two voters were speaking about the fact that they had to go and report to the ‘Plant’ that they voted. These voters were in two cars together with four other individials.
• PS 15/010 Dubasari, Molovata Noua. Near the PS, the drivers of the vehicles with transnistrian registration plates speak about the fact that they receive MDL 100 for every route from the transnistrian region to the PS.
• PS 24/028, Ocnita, Mihalaseni. Various individuals informed the observer that at the bar near the PS, the voters receive money after voting for a contender.
• PS 15/005 Dubasari, Cosnita. At 10:45 a.m. a voter, after voting, asked an observer/representative of an election contender what he will receive.
• PS 37/19, Causeni, Farladeni. Voters from the transnistrian region, during the discussions with other voters, said they were promised MDL 700 each for voting for a candidate.
• PS 37, Causeni, Hagimus. According to the observer, a voter from the transnistrian region received 200 transnistrian roubles for voting for a candidate.
• PS 37/3, transnistrian region, Anenii Noi. The voters discuss within the PS about the fact that at the exit of the polling stations people receive bags.
• PS 31/021, Soldanesti, Mihuleni. At the entry of the PS, around 11:30 a.m., two groups of about 4-5 individuals urged the voters to vote for a candidate. Later, the observer saw how two individuals received MDL 400 each in banknotes of MDL 200. When the observer tried to get closer to these individuals, they went away.
• PS 37/26 transnistrian region, Dubasari, Cosnita. According to the information obtained from the Promo-LEX observer following the discussions with the local population, the voters from the transnistrian region receive USD 40 for a vote in favour of a candidate and the drivers who transport the voters – USD 10.
• The transnistrian region, Cocieri. At 10:00, near the PS, after voting, two voters were discussing about the list they were to be included on in order to be paid. There is no information about those who will offer money to voters.

Organised voter transportation (by buses, passenger vans or other vehicles that wouldn’t normally be around) – 22 cases.

• PS 37/18 transnistrian region, Copanca v. Around 8:15 a.m., the police stopped a black Mercedes Sprinter with the identification No Ф097НТ. In the vehicle, there were identified 9 individuals from the transnistrian region who were heading to the PS. A protocol was drawn up with regards.
• PS 27/25 Riscani, Hiliuti. PEB members were informed that an individual conducts electioneering near the PS. When a PEB member approached that person, he told the member that he was not electioneering, but only transporting the voters in organised fashion. When the PEB members told him that organised voter transportation was prohibited, the man said he didn’t accept any orders and that he only did what he wanted. The vehicle concerned had 8 seats (VRN SDS 331). When the police officer present there got involved, the man left.
• PS 9/35 Calarasi, Sadova. Starting 7:00 a.m. organised transportation could be seen, involving several vehicles bringing people to vote. The vehicles would park 100 m away from the PS and then would wait and take people back. There were about 2-3 people per car. One vehicles belongs to representative with the right to vote, from a party, Skoda Kodiaq, VRN: BWW 636, black. This vehicle has been seen about 4-5 times since morning and thus far. The other car was a white Volkswagen Caddy, CLAS 090.
• PS 11/26 Cimislia, Hirtop. One person was seen engaged in organised voter transportation (3-4 rounds, every 30 minutes, VRN: PRT 937). The person was recognised as affiliated with one of the candidates. The police officer came around 11:00 a.m. and took note of the case.
• PS 10/32, Causeni, Hagimus. A Toyota (VRN: A981Ha) parked in front of the PS at around 11:00 a.m. About 7-8 people from the transnistrian region came out of it. The PEB members redirected them to another PS.
• PS 9/35 Calarasi, Sadova. A black Audi (QMK 322) was seen at 10:30 a.m. in the radius of 100 m away from the PS transporting voters. It was seen about 3 times, bring 2 people each time.
• PS 37/019 transnistrian region. Voters from the transnistrian region are being brought by personal cars and taxi. Every vehicle brings about 3-4 people. The following vehicles were seen: Grey Seat (A739HA), Green Lada (A548AX), dark green Renault (A457HB), white Volkswagen T4 (T885MT), grey Audi (A103HE).
• PS 09/014 Calarasi, Dereneu. A Ford Tranzit (DVI 073) was engaged in organised voter transportation. It commuted periodically. The voters were being brought from the neighbouring village upon such instructions from the mayor. They were urged to vote for a particular candidate.
• PS 37 transnistrian region. A large number of cars – more than 50 – and most of them registered in the transnistrian region were seen in the vicinity of two polling stations. There were 3-4 voters in each of the cars, according to observations.
• PS 11/026 Cimislia, Hirtop. A Mercedes Sprinter car with registration number plate IRT937 was noticed bringing in an organised manner 4-5 people to the PS around 4 times. The owner of the car said they were working at his farm.
• PS 37/29, transnistrian region, Dubasari, Dorotcaia Voters from the transnistrian region are transported in an organised manner to the PS with a VW car with registration number plate B428BK. The car was seen 2 times transporting 3 persons.
• PS 37/33 transnistrian region, Floresti, Sanatauca. A large number of voters, about 100, came from transnistrian region in short term (20 minutes).
• PS 37/37, Rezina. A Mercedes with registration number Р998СТ transports regularly the voters, at least 2 times.
• Transnistrian region In Bender, the drivers from RAAFNV were mobilised to vote and to bring voters from Farladeni and Hagimus to the PS.
• Pss 37/18 and 37/17, transnistrian region, Causeni, Copanca. Voters from the transnistrian region are transported in an organised manner by Zhiguli C688YT, Mercedes C 253EM, A386EK, CAL 386.
• PS 37/42 transnistrian region, Stefan Voda, Rascaieți. Voters from the transnistrian region are transported by personal cars in groups of 5 people.
• PS 37/19, Causeni, Farladeni. Voters from the transnistrian region are transported by cars with registration numbers VW ZJC 085; Opel A554CK; Mercedes A578HA.
• PS 37/31 transnistrian region, Dubasari, Ustia. Voters from the transnistrian region are transported by personal cars in groups of 2-3 people.
• PS 37/17 transnistrian region, Causeni, Copanca. Voters from the transnistrian region were transported several times by a Zhiguli with registration number С688НЕ.
• PS 1/104 Chisinau, Buiucani. A Mercedes Benz with registration number C SS 220 brought approximately 5 elderly persons to the PS.
• PS 37/3, transnistrian region, Anenii Noi. People from transnistrian region are transported in an organised manner to the PS by a grey car with registration number B457BH. The car was seen 2 times transporting 3 persons.
• PS 37/019 transnistrian region. At around 1 p.m, voters from transnistrian region were brought to the PS 019 in an organised manner by the following cars: Mercedes A619ET; VWA177HA; Peugeot T 030 HO; VW A675CX; Fiat T400AT; VW A139CP; Ford A8109EK; Fiat A739HA; Nissan A932EP VW a918CM; Mercedes Vito ZJE 777.

Preventing the access of voters and/or organised transport to polling stations set up for the transnistrian region – 1 case.

• Transnistrian region, Floresti, Sanatauca village At around 6:40 a.m., metal thorns/nails were thrown on the road to the PS in order to make the travel from the transnistrian region more difficult. Those who made this were not identified. As a result, a tyre of the police car blow out.

Deficient operation of Elections SAIS (suspended functionalities; situations where Elections SAIS showed that the voter had voted, although the latter claimed he had not) – 15 cases.

• PS 18/026, Floresti, Cunicea. Up to 9:30 a.m., 3 persons (1 person at 8 a.m., 2 persons at 8:20 – 8:30 a.m.) presented at the PS but were not found in the Elections SAIS, but could be found in the main list. According to the SAISE, these voters were to vote in other PS in the same village. The voters voted without being included in the Elections SAIS system. PEB Chairperson said they can vote if are included in the main lists of voters.
• PS 1/114, Chisinau, Center. A PEB member could not vote because Elections SAIS showed she/he voted at 9:15 a.m. The PEB Chairperson announced CEC.
• PS 27/25 Riscani, Hiliuti. Between 8:30 and 8:40 a.m., Elections SAIS did not function. Due to this fact, 3 voters were recorded on paper. The issue was fixed.
• PS 10/42, Causeni, Tanatari. At around 8:00 a.m., the Internet connection dissapeared for 10 minutes.
• PS 12/37, Criuleni, Slobozia Dusca. Only one computer is working in the PS. The second computer has no Internet connection. The specialists are trying to fix the issue.
• PS 1/298, Chisinau, Truseni. At around 7:00 a.m., there was no Internet connection for about 10 minutes. The voters were not able to vote because this issue.
• PS 10/5, Causeni. A computer had no connection to the Elections SAIS for about 37 minutes.
• PS 32/29 Stefan Voda, Talmaza. There is no Internet in the PS and the operators face difficulties in the work with the software. The operators connected to other sources, but the Internet connection is bad and is interrupted.
• PS 11/26 Cimislia, Hirtop. Between 9:45 and 10:10 a.m., the Internet connection was interrupted in the PS. As a result, the voters were recorded manually.
• PS 37/6 transnistrian region, Anenii Noi, Gura Bacului. A computer had problems with Internet connection for 10 minutes. The connection was restored.
• PS 01/034 Chisinau, Botanica. Between 7:00 and 7:20 a.m., SIAS soft did not function. The operators recorded voters data on paper and introduced them later manually.
• PS 01/038 Chisinau, Botanica. Starting from 7:00 a.m., the operators had no access to the Elections SAIS software for about 20 because of the poor Internet connection.
• PS 18/026, Floresti, Cunicea. Since morning to 12:40 p.m., 8 voters that were not assigned for this PS in the SAIS system lists have voted. People voted, but were not registered in the system.
• PS 36/6, ATUG, Comrat. A voter was not identified both in the Elections SAIS and main lists. He was allowed to vote on the additional lists.
• PS 1/339, Russian Federation, Surgut Hanti-Mansiisk. At 10:35 a.m. the Elections SAIS system did not function for 30 minutes.

Unjustified presence of unauthorised people inside or within 100 m from the polling station – 8 cases

• PS 18/063, Floresti, Temeleuti. There was an unauthorised person inside the PS. The person claims that is an observer of a candidate, although he did not present his accreditation / credentials. PEB Chairperson allowed him to attend the voting process, arguing that the person was accredited in the first round.
• PS 18/015 Floresti, Ciripcau. A metallic-grey Ford with the registration number IS 13 YAA was close to the PS, at about 20 meters, with a supporter of one of the candidates inside. He was monitoring the voters going to the PS. This person does not have an accreditation.
• PS 37/3, transnistrian region, Anenii Noi. There was a person with an unknown badge in the PS. He left the PS after the STO tried to identify him.
• PS 11/17 Cimislia, Ciucur Mingir. Between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m., a group of 5-7 persons was in the vicinity of the PS and it seemed to be led by one person. The leader of the group was asked if ‘everything is alright’. In addition, this person discussed with the policeman.
• PS 36/8, ATUG, Comrat. A car is parked near the PS. Regularly some voters come to it, after casting their vote. Besides, a candidate’s observer was seen to get in that car. This vehicle transported several voters in the morning (Opel, registration plate GEB 301).
• PS 11/24, Cimislia, Gura Galbenei. Within the area de 100 meters from the PS, there is a person asking who voted had voted for. When answering (who they voted for), the voters presented their ID card, to show the stamp applied. The same was done by a voter, who after exiting the PS, informed that person who he had voted for, showed his ID card and got in a white-graying Opel (the registration plate could not be identified).
• PS 06/003 Briceni, Briceni. At 11:00 a.m., a local councillor of a candidate was noticed in the proximity of the PS, but he was not an electoral official. He stays at the entry of the PS and gives protection masks to voters.
• PS 18/002, Floresti, Floresti. Between 1:15 and 1:28 p.m., an authorised person was present in the PS and discussed with all PEB members. The EOPS Chairperson was not in the PS at the moment of the incident.

Electioneering or black PR within the radius of 100 m and/or near the polling station to influence the voters – 7 cases.

• PS 1/91 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 8:35 a.m. a voter entered the PS with a back bag, carrying an inscription with swear words against a contender. The chairperson asked the voter to leave his bag outside the PS.
• PS 1/96 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 8.52 a.m. an observer had a badge with the name of a candidate. When asked by the PEB Chairperson, he removed the badge.
• PS 25/14, Orhei. In the vicinity of the PS (at a distance of about 200 meters), a group of PPS supporters urged voters to boycott the election. They claimed that, if voters participated in the election, they would not be able to buy any more at the social stores ‘Merisor’.
• PS 23/004, Nisporeni, Nisporeni. Observers of a candidate discuss with voters outside, while the PS was being ventilated. In addition, a voter was noticed so electioneer for a candidate in the vicinity of the PS.
• PS 1/116, Chisinau, Center. At 11:50 a.m. a voter started to electioneer for a candidate. The PEB Chairperson reprimanded him and the voter stopped his electioneering, but continued it after exiting the PS.
• PS 1/115, Chisinau, Center. At 12:30 p.m. a voter shouted to another voter, while in the PS, to vote for a specific candidate.
• PS 1/241, Chisinau, Rascani. At 12:25 p.m. a voter informed the observer that he was phoned today from an unknown number and asked to vote for a specific candidate.

Deficiencies in the lists of voters (gaps between addresses; deceased voters; signatures instead of other people) – 2 cases.

• PS 1/246 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 10:59 a.m. a voter noticed a stranger registered on his address, and that the stranger concerned had voted in the first round of the election. The voter submitted a complaint with CEC.
• PS 1/117, Chisinau, Center. At 11:50 a.m. a voter noticed a stranger registered on his address.

Failure to observe COVID-19 protection and prevention measures – 15 cases.

• PS 18/063, Floresti, Temeleuti. PEB members do not comply with COVID-19 protection rules (do not wear masks and do not disinfect their hands).
• PS 10/49, Causeni, Zaim. A number of 7-8 voters are allowed inside the PS, but there are only 3 voting booths.
• PS 32/21 Stefan Voda, Popeasca. More voters than the number of voting booths are allowed inside the PS.
• PS 06/033 Briceni, Mihaileni. The temperature is not taken at the entry in the PS, the voters do not use hand sanitizers. PEB members do not inform voters about the need to used hand sanitizers.
• PS 18/064, Floresti, Tîrgul-Vertiujeni. PEB Chairperson and other observers present in the PS do not keep the social distancing and other protection rules against Covid-19.
• PS 01/285, Chisinau, Ciorescu. A voter wanted to sign with his own pen, but PEB members did not allow and forced him to sign with the PS pen. PEB Chairperson told they had received a request from CEC that all signatures had to be made in black ink.
• PS 31/025, Soldanesti, Poiana. The body temperature is not taken at the entry in the PS, voters do not use hand sanitizers and PEB members do not comply with social distancing requirements.
• PS 18/026, Floresti, Cunicea. At 11:50 a.m., PEB members did not wear face masks, shields and gloves. The persons measuring the temperature at the PS entry does not wear gloves, and respectively gives out masks and other protection elements with unprotected hands. Later, the PEB Chairperson offered to the 3 members the needed protection equipment.
• PS 1/292, Chisinau, Stauceni. There were 8 persons in the PS, given that there were only 4 voting booths. The PEB Chairperson did nothing about it.
• PS 1/298, Chisinau, Gratiesti. At 11:35 a.m., the social distancing was not complied with within the PS.
• PS 12/027, Criuleni, Magdacesti Nord. PEB members do not comply with the sanitary rules against Covid-19.
• PSs 37/20, 37/21, transnistrian region. In the vicinity of the two polling stations there are about 100 persons, not complying with the protection rules against Covid-19.
• PS 1/197, Chisinau, Rascani. At 12:35 p.m. there more voters inside the PS than voting booths.
• PS 1/203, Chisinau, Rascani. At 12:40 p.m. there more voters inside the PS than voting booths.

Taking pictures of the ballot papers, other violations of the secret ballot (submission of ID card on the basis of which the voter had already voted, inappropriate laying out of booths because of which one could see who other voters cast their vote for) – 34 cases.

• PS 1/192, Chisinau, Riscani. At 1:36 p.m. one voter took a picture of the ballot paper. When asked by the Chairperson, the voter deleted the picture.
• PS 20/014 Hincesti, Buteni. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The PEB Chairperson stepped in.
• PS 1/179, Chisinau, Ciocana.  At 8:58 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper.  The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 1/100 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 9:05 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The PEB Chairperson did nothing about it.
• PS 1/41 Chisinau, Botanica. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper.  The voter showed that he did not have the picture of the ballot paper, insulted the PEB members and had an aggressive behaviour.
• PS 1/179, Chisinau, Ciocana. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 36/9, ATUG, Comrat. A voter made a picture of her ballot paper, after applying the ‘voted’ stamp. The PEB Chairperson reprimanded her.
• PS 09/046 Calarasi, Valcinet. One voter took a picture of his ballot paper. PEB Chairperson warned the voter that this was not allowed.
• PS 34/002, Telenesti, Telenesti. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper in the voting booth before applying the ‘voted’ stamp in order to send the picture to his parents. PEB Chairperson informed about the unlawfulness of such behaviour. The voter deleted the picture in from of the observers.
• PS 37/9, transnistrian region, Varnița, Anenii Noi. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The photo was deleted.
• PS 37/11, transnistrian region, Varnița, Anenii Noi. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The photo was deleted.
• PS 34/2, Telenesti. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper in the voting booth before applying the ‘voted’ stamp in order to send the picture to his parents. PEB Chairperson reprimanded him, and the voter complied and deleted the picture.
• PS 8/8 Cantemir, Cania. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The photo was deleted.
• PS 12/38 Cantemir, Zaicana. A voter took a picture of his ballot paper. The picture was not deleted because the voter exited the PS and could not be found.
• PS 1/29 Chisinau, Botanica. At 10:10 a.m., a voter was on a video call with his daughter while in the PS, including in the voting booth. He shower his daughter who he voted for, and did not react to the reprimand of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 1/305 Chisinau, Ghidighici. At 10:24 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 1/100 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 11:05, the lightening of a telephone was noticed from within the voting booth. PEB members commented, but the voter did not react and left.
• PS 1/170, Chisinau, Ciocana. At 11:20 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 1/170, Chisinau, Ciocana. At 11:32 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of Chairperson.
• PS 23/031 Nisporeni, Seliste. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. An observer asked him to delete the picture, and the voter complied.
• The transnistrian region, Cocieri. A voter tried to make a picture of the ballot paper, but was noticed by PEB members and did not manage to do it.
• PS 01/076, Chisinau, Buiucani. One voter took a picture of his ballot paper. After reprimanded by PEB members, the voter asked to show him the legal rule. They showed him the provisions of the Electoral Code, the voter calmed down but did not delete the picture from his phone.
• PS 06/004 Briceni, Lipcani. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. After reprimanded by PEB members, the voter started a scandal and asked for the normal rule that prohibits taking pictures of the ballot paper. Once they showed him the legal norm, the voter told he had made a picture in the first round of the election, but no one told him anything then.
• PS 9/39 Calarasi, Sipoteni. At 12:25 p.m. a voter took a picture of his ballot paper. PEB members reacted and reprimanded him, but they did not see him deleting the picture.
• PS 15/012 Dubasari, Pirita. At 12:45 p.m. a man made a picture of his ballot paper in the voting booth. The voter left the polling station without being impeded by the PEB Chairperson.
• PS 32/29 Stefan Voda, Talmaza. A voter tried to take a picture of his ballot paper, but did not manage thanks to the intervention of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 36/8, ATUG, Comrat. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper after applying the stamp. The PEB Chairperson asked him to delete the picture from his phone.
• PS 36/7, ATUG, Comrat. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper. As a result, the PEB Chairperson did not allow him to put his ballot in the box, asking to delete the picture first. Once the picture was removed, the voter threw the ballot paper into the ballot box.
• PS 1/305 Chisinau, Ghidighici. At 12:27 p.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 1/74 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 10:58 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 1/92 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 12:35 p.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 1/142, Chisinau, Center. At 12:40 p.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.
• PS 18/035 Floresti, Gura Cainarului. At 1:20 p.m. a voter made a picture of his ballot paper in the voting booth. He deleted the picture only after the PEB Chairperson did not allow the voter to put his ballot paper into the ballot box unless the picture was removed.
• PS 25/081, Orhei, Viscauti. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The PEB Chairperson ask to delete the picture, the voter complied, but subsequently it turned out that the voter managed to place it on a social network before deleting it.

Problematic aspects related to voting by mobile ballot box – 4 cases.

• PS 16/1 Edinet, Edinet. Promo-LEX observer identified 31 requests to vote at the place of domicile typed at the PC, and it seems that the signature was made by the same person. According to the information obtained by the observer, these were brought during the past few days by a member of a candidate’s campaign team.
• PS 1/197, Chisinau, Rascani. A social worker submitted 5 requests for mobile ballot box. According to PEB Chairperson, the social worker is not in charge of that area, but it is known that the persons concerned need a mobile ballot box.
• PS 33/3, Taraclia. A voter with symptoms of respiratory disease (high body temperature) came to the PS. He was not allowed to enter the PS. At the same time, he was not informed that he could request voting at the place of stay by mobile ballot box.
• PS 1/225, Chisinau, Rascani. An unknown person brought 15 requests to vote at home. The person who brought the requests was not authorised. PEB members annulled the requests and prepared a protocol.

Unjustified termination/suspension of voting at the polling station – 2 cases.

• PS 1/92 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 10:50 a.m., the voting procedure was stopped for about 10 min. at the initiative of PEB Chairperson in order to disinfect the PS. All PEB members remained inside the PS. Due to this, a queue of voters formed outside the PS.
• PS 19/026 Glodeni, Hijdieni. There was no Internet connection from 1:00 to 1:10 p.m. and the voting process was stopped. Voted queued up outside. PEB Chairperson said he didn’t know what was the problem. After the Internet connection restarted, the voting process was resumed.

Unjustified group voting (two or more voters) – 3 cases.

• PS 1/87 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 8:42 a.m. two elderly persons entered together the voting booth. They complied with the observer’s request, but before putting the ballot paper into the box, the man took the woman’s ballot paper to see who she had voted for.
• PS 1/227, Chisinau, Rascani. At 8.48 a group of two persons voted in the same voting booth. One person stamped both ballot papers and them put them in the box.
• PS 33/028 Taraclia, Valea Perjei. Two cases of group voting were found. Voters (relatives or friends) did not seem to have any special needs. The PEB Chairperson told them several times not to, but they nevertheless entered together the voting booths.

Ballot boxes were not sealed according to the legal procedures/tearing/damage or absence of seals on ballot boxes — 9 cases.

• PS 06/030 Briceni, Marcauti. One of the stationary ballot boxes was not sealed.
• PS 13/024, Donduseni, Teleseuca. One of the stationary ballot box was sealed by 3 seals only. PEB Chairperson told that the place for the fourth seal was damaged. However, after the observer’s notification, the missing seal was applied.
• PS 30/030, Straseni, Negresti. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed by only 2 seals each. The PEB Chairperson told that, in his opinion, two seals were enough.
• PS 06/026 Briceni, Halahora de Sus. The mobile ballot box was not sealed properly. The seal was placed in the opening for ballot papers. Afterwards, PEB members applied an additional seal on the handle.
• PS 1/197, Chisinau, Rascani. The stationary ballot boxes have 2 seals instead of 4, on the grounds that they had not received enough seals.
• PS 33/2, Taraclia. The ballot box is sealed with only 2 seals. The PEB Chairperson claimed he had not received enough seals.
• PS 30/3, Straseni. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed by 3 seals only. PEB Chairperson explained that they didn’t have the necessary number of seals.
• PS 34/35, Telenesti, Ratus. Initially, the ballot boxes were sealed with 2 seals each. But at 7 o’clock, the PEB Chairperson applied 2 more seals on each ballot box.
• PS 32/22 Stefan Voda, Purcari. Three stationary ballot boxes were sealed by 2 seals. PEB Chairperson reported that those were all they have received from CEC.

Interrupted video recording of electoral procedures for polling station opening or procedures of ballot papers counting – 3 cases.

• PS 27/010 Riscani, Costesti. The camera was not turned off after the polling station was opened.
• PS 27/007 Riscani, Costesti. At 9:45 a.m. the camera was not turned off after the polling station was opened.
• PS 34/012, Telenesti, Cazanesti. Camera continued to record the voting process after the closure of the procedures of the polling station opening in the Vadul-Leca village.  After referral, PS members reported they received such instructions from their superiors.
• PS 1/340 French Republic, Paris. Camera did not record the entire process of preparing the polling station.

Electricity outages – 7 cases.

• PS 26/8, Rezina, Stohnaia. Between 09:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., the electricity went out and only one PEB computer has worked. Voters cast their vote using the flashlight in the voting booth.
• PS 37/38 transnistrian region, Rezina. At 9:50 a.m. the electricity was cut off (already for 10 minutes). The process was not interrupted, voters are registered in the SAIS Election through mobile Internet. Electricity was not restored until now.
• PS 22/006, Leova, Leova. The electricity went out at the PS between 07:25 a.m. and 09:35 a.m. Later, the breakdown was removed. The SAIS operators’ activity was not interrupted.
• PS 37/38 transnistrian region, Rezina. At 9:50 a.m. the electricity was cut off (already for 10 minutes). The process was not interrupted, voters are registered in the SAIS Election through mobile Internet. Electricity was not restored until now.
• PS 37/38 transnistrian region, Rezina. During 40 minutes the electricity was cut off. The voting process was not interrupted, the work was carried out on the laptop.
• PS 15/002 Dubasari, Cocieri. Between 12:50 a.m. and 12:55 a.m. the electricity went out 2 times (as well as in the PS nearby), the voting process was not suspended. There were problems with the SAIS Election system, which was out of order, so that operators were registering voters on a paper-based list.
• PS 26/8, Rezina, Stohnaia. Between 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., the electricity in the PS went out for a second time.

Presence of advertising materials, electoral billboards and posters in the vicinity of the polling station (within the area of 100 m from the PS) – 2 cases.

• PS 06/002 Briceni, Briceni. Within the area of 100 m from PS there is a group of people supporting a contender (including a counsellor) who discuss with voters and provide them with protection masks.
• PS 18/39 Floresti, Izvoare. Within the area of 100 meters from the PS, posters in favour of a contender of the first round were noticed. Later, one of the PEB members removed the respective materials.

Others – 10 cases

• PS 14/2 Drochia, Drochia. A voter with visual impairments was not allowed to cast his vote in the presence of his father or brother. PEB Chairperson insisted that, according to the regulation, the voter had to vote in the presence of a non-relative. They called the police. The individual voted only after a call to CEC was made, and he was allowed to vote together with a family member.
• PS 1/152, Chisinau, Ciocana. At 10:30 a.m., at the exit from the PS, two people dressed in white with the inscription ‘SPERO’ organised an exit poll. The PEB Chairperson requested the intervention of the police, given that he was not informed about their activity.
• Transnistrian region, Floresti,  Sanatauca village. On the route from customs – on the pavement, on the bus station, and also in the proximity of the PS 37/34 (at about 100-150m) the following message in Russian is displayed: ‘Dodon is a thief and a liar. Vote for money, but use your head. Respectfully yours, Renato Usatii.’
• PS 1/196, Chisinau, Rascani. A voter accused the PEB chairperson of influencing the vote of an old lady, which resulted in a dispute between the voter and the PEB chairperson. The conflict lasted for about 5 minutes, and afterwards the voter left.
• PS 18/002, Floresti, Floresti. A PEB member wore red clothes. One of the candidates’ observers warned the PEB chairperson that red was associated with the colour of an electoral candidate.  So, when voters would ask in which list to sign, the PEB members would rely „At the lady in red”. The PEB chairperson says he cannot force a PEB member to change her clothes, but finally the PEC member took of her red jacket.
• PS 1/266, Chisinau, Vadul lui Voda. At 10:10 a.m. a drunk voter started a dispute with PEB members, because he didn’t want the stamp saying „Elections, 15 November” to be applied. The PEB chairperson asked him to leave the PS and come back later.
• PS 1/101 Chisinau, Buiucani. The PEB member responsible for measuring the temperature is arrogant and argues with voters. The PEB Chairperson reprimanded the respective member.
• PS 11/45 Cimislia, Troitcoe. A representative having the right to consultative vote, as well as the person in charge of measuring the temperature of voters, were writing down in notebooks the names of the voters. PEB Chairperson mentioned they make the respective notes for themselves.
• PS 1/195, Chisinau. Rascani A PEB member noticed that a ballot paper was left in the voting booth. The PEB member put the ballot paper into the ballot box.
• PS 1/31 Chisinau, Botanica. At 12:12 a.m. one voter wanted to exit the PS with the ballot paper. The observers noticed this fact and the voter threw the ballot paper into the ballot box. Police intervention was requested.

The press release is developed as part of the Observation Mission for the Elections of the President of the Republic of Moldova on 1 (15) November 2020, conducted by Promo-LEX Association with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) via the ‘Democracy, Transparency and Accountability’ Program, the Good Governance Department of Soros Foundation-Moldova under ‘Monitoring the Presidential Elections of 1 November 2020’ Project, and the Council of Europe under ‘Support for civic observation of 2020 Presidential Election in polling stations abroad’. ‘Hate speech’ component is supported by Justice and Human Rights Department of Soros Foundation-Moldova under ‘Consolidation of a platform for the development of activism and education in the area of human rights in Moldova – stage IV’ Project.

The opinions set out in the public reports and press releases of Promo-LEX OM are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of funders or partners. The content of this document can be subject to editing.

If there are any discrepancies between the text in Romanian and its translation, the provisions formulated in Romanian shall prevail.

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

15 November 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m.

Promo-LEX Observation Mission of the Presidential Election in the Republic of Moldova of 1 (15) November 2020 informs that as of 9:00 a.m. the Mission had received 105 incident reports from observers, this press release containing information on 62 incidents processed by the central team of Promo-LEX Mission at that time.

At the first round of the presidential election of 1 November 2020, Promo-LEX OM had received by 9.00 a.m. 64 incident reports from observers, the press release having included 35 incident reports the central team had processed.

Monitoring by the Promo-LEX OM of the second round of presidential election

On the election day for the second round of the presidential election of 1 (15) November 2020, as in the first round, Promo-LEX will delegate one short-term observer (STO) in each of the 608 polling stations (PSs) selected by Promo-LEX OM from a sample established by a sociological company.

Moreover, a static observer will be assigned to each of the 42 polling stations where voters from the transnistrian region will cast their vote.

The electoral process in the polling stations, in their immediate vicinity and the access routes to the polling stations where the voters from the transnistrian region will vote, will be monitored also by 80 mobile teams of observers.

Also, special consideration will be given to polling stations abroad, where it is planned to delegate static observers in about 61 polling stations.

Compared to the first round, Promo-LEX seconded, for the second round, four teams of observers trained in monitoring public assemblies.

Incidents flagged up upon opening of polling stations:

Promo-LEX Observation Mission of the Presidential Election in the Republic of Moldova of 1 (15) November 2020 finds,

Restricting the observers’ access or preventing the free observation process at the polling station – 1 case.

• PS 16/1 Edinet, Edinet. The Promo-LEX observer was restricted free observation of the polling station. He was not allowed to move around inside the polling station and was also prohibited from filming or taking pictures although he sought the Chairperson’s permission for that three times at around 7:05 a.m. when the flow of voters was not abundant.

Deficient operation of Elections SAIS (suspended functionalities; situations where Elections SAIS showed that the voter had voted, although the latter claimed he had not) – 13 cases.

• PS 1/105 Chisinau, Buiucani. One operator was not able to connect. The PEB Chairperson announced CEC about it, but the answer was that the network was overloaded and couldn’t be solved at that time.
• PS 1/198, Chisinau, Rascani. The Elections SAIS operators were not able to enter the system for about 20-40 minutes. When the PEB Chairperson made a call to CEC, the issue was solved. The voting process wasn’t put on hold. The voters were recorded on a sheet of paper and were later entered into the Elections SAIS.
• PS 1/7 Chisinau, Botanica. It took Elections SAIS operators 30 minutes to enter the system. The PEB Chairperson announced CEC about it and all technical issues were addressed.
• PS 12/28, Criuleni, Magdacesti. The operators were not able to enter Elections SAIS between 06:00 – 7:27 in the morning. The voting process was not halted. The voters were recorded on a sheet of paper. The PEB Chairperson was trying to have the issue solved.
• PS 4/03, Anenii Noi, Anenii Noi. Both operators struggled with entering the Elections SAIS, the first one – between 7:15 and 7:42 a.m., and the second one – between 7:30 and 7:40 a.m. The voting process was not halted during those 30 minutes. The voters were recorded on a sheet of paper. The problem was solved.
• PS 18/026, Floresti, Cunicea. One voter was not found in Elections SAIS, but she was on the lists of voters. She cast her vote without having been registered in Elections SAIS. According to the Promo-LEX STO – the woman appeared in the Elections SAIS in that PS in the first round, however this time she had been assigned to another PS in Cunicea.
• PS 01/107, Chisinau, Buiucani. The Elections SAIS did not work between 7:00 and 7:18 a.m. (operator 1)/7:30 a.m. (operator 2). The operators checked the internet connection and restarted the program a number of times. Both operators started their work later than 7.00 a.m. because of this.
• PS 25/40 Orhei, Furceni. The internet was gone at 7:05 a.m., as was connection with Elections SAIS. The internet provider was called. The voting process was not interrupted. The voters were recorded on paper. It was only at 8:30 a.m. that the issue was solved and that the operators uploaded the data into Elections SAIS.
• PS 10/7, Causeni. There was no internet between 06:59 and 7:15 a.m.
• PS 10/2, Causeni. Internet was gone at 07:05 am, as was connection to Elections SAIS. One Moldtelecom engineer looked into it. One of the computers was connected to internet in 30 minutes, while the second one was not even after an hour of attempts.
• PS 32/31 Stefan Voda, Talmaza. The PS was opened as late as 7:40 a.m. because of the impossibility to enter Elections SAIS. The voters were being registered on paper by hand between 07:40 and 07:50 a.m. until the PS got one computer working (however it disconnected every now and then). Connecting the second computer was still impossible even after 8:00 a.m.
• PS 10/36 Causeni, Plop Stiubei. There was no internet between 7:35 and 7:40 a.m. Internet connection was back on after the program was restarted.
• PS 32/10 Stefan Voda, Cioburciu. Impossible to connect to Elections SAIS. The support of an engineer was sought in this regard.

Presence of advertising materials, electoral billboards and posters in the vicinity of the polling station (within the area of 100 m from the PS) – 4 cases.

• PS 32/001 Stefan Voda, Stefan Voda. There’s was a board with electoral posters in support of a contender in the radius of 100 m from the PS.
• PS 29/9 Soroca, Soroca Municipality. A billboard of a candidate was across the PS and some small leaflets of a candidate were noticed at the PS entrance.
• PS 31/001, Soldanesti, Soldanesti. There was a board with electoral posters of a candidate some 50 meters away from the PS. Once informed about it, PEB members removed the electoral posters away.
• PS 32/030 Stefan Voda, Talmaza. A banner in favour of a candidate was hung on a store some 50 meters away from the PS. When the observers entered the store, the owner removed the banner off the wall of the store, but did not remove from the door the election posters of that same candidate. He claimed that the people who hanged the banner had said that it wasn’t a violation.

Unjustified presence of unauthorised persons inside or within 100 m from the polling station – 3 cases

• PS 07/011 Cahul, Cahul. People who introduced themselves as representatives of contenders, entitled to the right to vote, showed up at the PS, but without carrying the required credentials. The PEB Chairperson said he hadn’t received the credentials from DEC. Subsequently, the PEB members attempted to settle the problem by going to DEC.
• PS 18/002, Floresti, Floresti. A group made of three people have been seen less than 100 m away from the PS between 7:30 and 8:37 a.m. One of the three, who had already voted, handed the observer of a candidate a bag and told him he was going to use it when he goes around with the mobile ballot box. This group can be seen around and moving in the vicinity of the polling station.
• PS 18/023, Floresti, Cuhurestii de Sus. There was an unauthorised person inside the PS at 7:30 a.m., wearing IGSU uniform (emergency response). The PEB Chairperson explained that the man was there to discharge policing duties to protect the ballot papers.

Interrupted video recording of electoral procedures for polling station opening or procedures of ballot papers counting – 8 cases.

• PS 1/192, Chisinau, Rascani. It was found at 6:50 a.m. that the video camera didn’t work. The PEB Chairperson announced CEC, but no measures were taken about it.
• PS 1/100 Chisinau, Buiucani. The video camera doesn’t record. The PEB Chairperson informed that the camera didn’t work.
• PS 37/11, transnistrian region, Anenii Noi, Varnita. The Promo-LEX observer reported that the camera hadn’t been turned on upon the sealing of boxes and distribution of ballot papers. It was placed behind the operators’ backs.
• PS 20/002 Hincesti, Hincesti. The camera was not turned off at 7:00 a.m. once the PS opened. At 8:25 a.m. the camera was still on and recording the voting process.
• PS 36/40, ATUG, Cazaclia. The video camera hadn’t been turned on when the PS preparations were underway because the person in charge of it was late. When the PEB Chairperson became aware of it, he turned the camera on but that was almost at the end of the preparations for opening the PS.
• PS 11/2 Cimislia. The PEB Chairperson turned the camera off at 7:50 a.m.
• PS 27/25 Riscani, Hiliuti. The camera was not turned off after the PS was opened for voters to enter. The recording was stopped when the people attending the process raised this issue.
• PS 27/015 Riscani, Braniste. The camera hadn’t been turned off after the PS was opened. It was still recording at 8:10 a.m.

Electioneering or black PR within the radius of 100 m and/or near the polling station to influence the voters – 2 cases.

• PS 1/87 Chisinau, Buiucani. As soon as he came out of the voting booth, a voter showed his ballot paper and announced out loud that he had voted for a particular candidate. The PEB Chairperson warned the voter about electioneering being prohibited.
• PS 06/002 Briceni, Briceni. There is an unauthorised person right next to the PS entrance handing out masks to voters and talking to them. That person was a supporter of one of the candidates.

Ballot boxes were not sealed according to the legal procedures/tearing/damage or absence of seals on ballot boxes — 19 cases.

• PS 1/19 Chisinau, Botanica. The ballot box was sealed by 3 seals. At 6:47 a.m., a PEB member ripped off accidentally one seal on a stationary ballot box.
• PS 1/100 Chisinau, Buiucani. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed by only 2 seals because there were reportedly few seals in the polling station.
• PS 1/199 Chisinau, Rascani. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed by only 2 seals each. The PEB Chairperson explained that the seals brought to the PS were insufficient.
• PS 1/221 Chisinau, Rascani. A stationary ballot box (backup) was sealed with one seal, 2 stationary ballot boxes were sealed with 3 seals each. The PEB Chairperson informed that the received an insufficient number of seals (10).
• PS 37/38 transnistrian region, Rezina. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed only with 3 seals. According to PEB Chairperson this is the number of seals distributed by CEC.
• PS 37/22 transnistrian region, Criuleni. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed only with 3 seals. According to PEB Chairperson this is the number of seals distributed by CEC.
• PS 1/3 Chisinau, Botanica. The stationary ballot box was sealed with only 3 seals. PEB chairperson mentioned that according to the regulation, it was allowed to apply from two to four seals.
• PS 33/008 Taraclia, Tvardita. One of the three stationary ballot boxes was not sealed. The PEB members believe it will not be used during the day and they decided not to seal it. The ballot box is placed in a visible place of the PS.
• PS 36/004 Gagauzia ATU, Comrat. PEB members found that the seals were not enough to seal all the ballot boxes. As a result, PEB members decided not to use this ballot box during the voting process. The ballot box was stored in an auxiliary room of the PS. The observer mentioned that PEB members prepared a protocol as regards this situation.
• PS 1/154, Chisinau, Ciocana. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed by only 3 seals. The PEB Chairperson mentioned that they received few seals.
• PS 1/9 Chisinau, Botanica. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed by only 3 seals. The Chairperson mentioned that he left a seal for backup.
• PS 1/411, Romania, Galati. The stationary ballot box was sealed by only 2 seals.
• PS 13/25, Donduseni, Tirnova. The PS received on 10 seals while it has 2 stationary and 3 mobile ballot boxes. As a result, the stationary ballot boxes were sealed with only 2 seals each, invoking the lack of enough seals for all the ballot boxes.
• PS 35/8, Ungheni. Both stationary ballot boxes were not sealed according to the rules: one was sealed with only 3 seals, and the second – with 2 seals. The reason invoked was the insufficient number of seals.
• PS 10/4, Causeni. The stationary ballot box was sealed with only 2 seals. The PEB Chairperson communicated that it is fine and it wouldn’t have a problem with applying 2 seals instead of 4.
• PS 27/1 Riscani. Only one of those 3 ballot boxes inside the PS is sealed with 4 seals, while the other two – with 2 seals each. The PEB Chairperson explained that they received that number of seals from CEC.
• PS 27/2 Riscani. The stationary ballot boxes were sealed only with 3 seals and the reason invoked was the fact that they received only 10 seals from CEC.
• PS 06/002 Briceni, Briceni. The ballot boxes were sealed only with 3 seals. PEB Chairperson said that they didn’t receive the necessary number of seals. Later on, the necessary seals were brought from DEC and the ballot boxes were sealed according to the rules.
• PS 18/022, Floresti, Cuhurestii de Sus. The mobile ballot box was not sealed. PEB members said they would seal it when the ballot box will leave the PS.

Deficiencies in the lists of voters (gaps between addresses; deceased voters; signatures instead of other people) – 2 cases.

• PS 1/218, Chisinau, Rascani. A voter noted that his signature was put down in the main list of voters, which confirmed he voted in the first round of elections. The voter claims he didn’t vote in the first round of elections. The stamp ‘voted’ was not applied in the loose leaf.
• PS 1/228, Chisinau, Rascani. At 8:10 a.m., a voter noted that the main lists of voters contained the name of a deceased person who had the same residence as the voter.

Taking pictures of the ballot papers, other violations of the secret ballot (submission of ID card on the basis of which the voter had already voted, inappropriate laying out of booths because of which one could see who other voters cast their vote for) – 4 cases.

• PS 1/100 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 7:55 a.m. one voter took a picture of the ballot paper. All the members of PEB noted that, but no one reacted immediately.
• PS 1/261, Chisinau, Sangera. At 8:10 a.m., two voters who were showing to each other pictures with their ballot papers were noted outside the polling station.
• PS 1/100 Chisinau, Buiucani. At 8:31 a.m. one voter took a picture of the ballot paper. A member of PEB asked the voter to delete the picture but the voter ignored the request.
• PS 1/11 Chisinau, Botanica. At 8:14 a.m. one voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The photo was deleted at the request of PEB Chairperson.

Failure to observe COVID-19 protection and prevention measures – 3 cases.

• PS 1/292, Chisinau, Stauceni. At 7:04 a.m., more voters than the number of voting booths were inside the PS. The PEB Chairperson did nothing about it.
• PS 18/023, Floresti, Cuhurestii de Sus. PEB members do not comply with COVID-19 protection rules – do not wear masks/wear them incorrectly.
• PS 32/33 Stefan Voda, Volintiri. The anti-pandemic rules are not observed. Thus, for a number of 5 voting booths, 7 voters are allowed to enter the PS.
• Electricity outages – 1 case.
• PS 13/25, Donduseni, Tirnova. At 7:10 a.m. the electricity was out in the PS. After approximately 20 minutes, PEB Chairperson managed to restart it.

Unjustified group voting (two or more voters) – 1 case.

• PS 32/3 Stefan Voda. Two voters were in the voting booth (husband and wife). PEB Chairperson solved the issue.

Others – 1 case.

• PS 32/10 Stefan Voda, Cioburciu. A ballot paper with the mark ‘voted’ on it was found in the voting booth. This one was moved to the side, and the PEB Chairperson was standing by the booth in order to ensure the security of the respective ballot paper. After discussing with the people in the PS, PEB members identified the voter who left the ballot paper in the voting booth. He was called by a PEB member, but this one did not admit initially that he forgot his ballot paper in the voting booth. Nonetheless, after he discussed with the PEB Chairperson, the voter decided to assume the case and throw the ballot paper in the ballot box.

The press release is developed as part of the Observation Mission for the Elections of the President of the Republic of Moldova on 1 (15) November 2020, conducted by Promo-LEX Association with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) via the ‘Democracy, Transparency and Accountability’ Program, the Good Governance Department of Soros Foundation-Moldova under ‘Monitoring the Presidential Elections of 1 November 2020’ Project, and the Council of Europe under ‘Support for civic observation of 2020 Presidential Election in polling stations abroad’. ‘Hate speech’ component is supported by Justice and Human Rights Department of Soros Foundation-Moldova under ‘Consolidation of a platform for the development of activism and education in the area of human rights in Moldova – stage IV’ Project.

The opinions set out in the public reports and press releases of Promo-LEX OM are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of funders or partners. The content of this report can be subject to editing.

If there are any discrepancies between the text in Romanian and its translation, the provisions formulated in Romanian shall prevail.

For more details, please contact:

Inga Stegarescu, Communication Officer of Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the Presidential Election in the Republic of Moldova of 1 (15) November 2020: GSM 069269684, e-mail: [email protected]

Use of administrative resources, involving religious cults in the election campaign of a candidate, use of undeclared financial and in-kind resources, as well as violation of the restrictions imposed by the National Extraordinary Public Health Commission. These are the main findings of Promo-LEX Observation Mission, reflected in its Report No 7 on the observation of the presidential election in the Republic of Moldova.

Besides the findings related to the campaign activities carried out by the two candidates that reached the second round of election, Promo-LEX OM underlines repeatedly the lack of explicit and exhaustive legal provisions in the Electoral Code to regulate the conduct of the second round of elections.

Electoral incidents impacting the campaign

Promo-LEX Observation Mission draws the attention on a case that could be interpreted as use of undeclared financial and in-kind resources by candidate Igor Dodon. It is about alleged printing of larger number of the campaign newspapers than stated in the printing data, as well as at another printing house than stated in the publication.

It is also suspicious that, though both the newspaper and the invoice for printing services are dated 9 November 2020, the publication contains at least one picture that seems to be taken at the press conference of 10 November 2020 of district presidents and deputy presidents in support of candidate Igor Dodon. In addition, at least two copies of newspapers printed before the first round of elections were found in the Universul printing house. However, according to the information reported to CEC, candidate Igor Dodon did not print newspapers or other promotional products at Universul printing house during the electoral campaign for the elections of 1 November 2020.

We also warn about the violation of the restrictions established by the National Extraordinary Public Health Commission, as two types of events involving a big number of participants were carried out in support of Igor Dodon. One of them was a people’s march in Balti Municipality in which more than 200 people participated, and the other one was about at least 20 car marches across the country, involving more than 450 cars. Another people’s march is scheduled to take place in Chisinau on 13 November 2020 in support of the same candidate.

The observers also reported two cases of involving religious cults in the election campaign of candidate Igor Dodon.

The contenders continue to use administrative resources

Promo-LEX observers reported at least 142 electoral activities carried out by the two runner-up candidates for the second round of the presidential election. Of them, Igor Dodon (IC) carried out 51% of activities (72), while Maia Sandu (PAS) carried out 49% (70). PSRM continues its active participation in the campaign of independent candidate Igor Dodon.

Also, at least 12 cases that can be regarded as use of administrative resources were found. Out of them, 11 cases featured Igor Dodon (IC), and one case – Maia Sandu (PAS).

At least MDL 500,853 were not reported by the two election contenders

According to the reports submitted to CEC, the revenues reported by election contenders for 4-6 November totalled MDL 956,816, including donations in commodities, objects, works and services. Of these, MDL 556,367 (58%) were reported by Maia Sandu (PAS), and Igor Dodon (IC) reported MDL 400,450 (42%).

The OM estimated that at least MDL 500,853 were not reported by the two election contenders for the first week of election campaign for the second round of the presidential election. Of that amount, Igor Dodon (IC) did not report MDL 394,422 (79%), while MDL 106,431 (21%) were not reported by Maia Sandu (PAS).

Also note that the election contenders continue not to report expenses associated with electioneerers and not to submit declarations on their volunteer work.

An increase in the number of people wanting to vote at the place of stay, that is at home

The Promo-LEX Observation Mission sounds the alarm bells about the increase in the number of people willing to cast their vote at home, compared to the first round. In this context, we also draw the attention to at least four cases when requests to vote at the place of stay were collected by unauthorised people: three cases involved people reported as electioneerers of candidate Igor Dodon; and one case involved employees of the post office.

Electoral bodies’ failure to comply with protection requirements

Although slight improvements were noticed in terms of the extent to which DECs comply with the epidemiological requirements, the fact that not all DECs observe the pandemic-related requirements is worrying: 5 (14%) councils do not have a register for monitoring the temperature of electoral officials; at least 8 (22%) DECs do not measure the visitors’ temperature; 2 DECs (6%) do not display any information about the health protection rules during pandemic.

Unfortunately, precinct electoral bureaus (PEBs) were also found not to comply with the protection requirements in the context of pandemic.

The second round affected by hate speech and incitement to discrimination

Hate speech and incitement to discrimination influenced the election campaign of the second round. Thus, of a total of 51 reported cases, the independent candidate Igor Dodon used this type of speech in 7 cases.

At the same time, there were reported at least 34 cases of using hate messages and/or incitement to violence against the PAS candidate Maia Sandu (26 cases) and the independent candidate Igor Dodon (8 cases) by politicians, journalists, opinion leaders or candidates’ supporters.

In other 10 cases, this type of speech targeted members of political parties and/or supporters of candidates, as well as public officials, politicians and voters in general.

The Promo-LEX Association emphasises that the use of hate speech and incitement to discrimination in the public space and in the mass-media by candidates and their supporters harms not only the dignity of counter-candidates, by also that of people from particular social groups, including when prejudice and stereotypes are used or when people are incited to discrimination and violence.

The Observation Mission for the Elections of the President of the Republic of Moldova on 1 November 2020 is conducted by Promo-LEX Association with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) via the ‘Democracy, Transparency and Accountability’ Program, the Good Governance Department of Soros Foundation-Moldova under ‘Monitoring the Presidential Elections of 1 November 2020’ Project, and the Council of Europe under ‘Support for civic observation of 2020 Presidential Election in polling stations abroad’. ‘Hate speech’ component is supported by Justice and Human Rights Department of Soros Foundation-Moldova under ‘Consolidation of a platform for the development of activism and education in the area of human rights in Moldova – stage IV’ Project.  

The translation and dissemination of this report was financially supported by the European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE), which is financially supported by the European Union and funds by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, including its ifa funding program zivik.

Find the full report here.

If there are any discrepancies between the text in Romanian and its translation, the provisions formulated in Romanian shall prevail. 

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