Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the early Parliamentary Elections of 11 July 2021: New details on the conduct of election

11 July 2021
Time: 2:00 p.m.

Promo-LEX Observation Mission of the Early Parliamentary Elections of 11 July 2021 informs that as of 2:00 p.m. the Mission had received 340 incident reports from observers, Promo-LEX analytical team processed 266 reports, and this press release contains information on 211 incidents.

New details on the conduct of election:

Promo-LEX Observation Mission for the Early Parliamentary Elections of 11 July 2021 finds,

Restricted access for observers or obstruction of free observation in the polling station – 3 cases.

• PS 38/147 Turkey, Istanbul. At 7:30 a.m. the Promo-LEX observer noticed that ballot papers were kept in the office of the PEB Chairperson. After he left, the observer noticed that the door was locked, but the key was left in the door lock. The observer made a picture, but he was prohibited to make other pictures on the grounds that he was within the premises of the consulate, though in the morning he informed the Chairperson that he would take pictures and was not prohibited to do so.
• PS 38/147 Turkey, Istanbul. With regards to observer’s duties, the PEB Chairperson required the Promo-LEX observer not to bother him because he ‘had work to do at the Embassy’. And if he was bothered with more questions, he would call to CEC and make a complaint against the observer. And if there were more questions, these should be addressed in written form.
• PS 30/25 Cocieri, Transnistrian region. The driver of a bus transporting voters to the polling stations for the transnistrian region attacked verbally the Promo-LEX observer who followed the bus. While the observer was filming, the driver used uncensored words to shout at him to go away. This bus was noticed previously transporting voters in an organised manner.

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 – 10 cases.

• PS 1/95 Chisinau, Buiucani. The observer, staying close to the PS, overheard a phone discussion between one person, who was going to the PS to vote, and another one. The first person explained the interlocutor that he was going to vote given that a candidate was paying 75 EURO for one vote.
• PS 37/30 Transnistrian region. At about 9:30–9:45 a.m., six vehicles (minivans and minibuses) were noticed close to the PS (r/n CLK328, r/n TE049AO, r/n E659BA, r/n E539BE, r/n E799BB, r/n P461BT). According to the statements by people getting off those vehicles, they were arranged by a contender who promised them to pay 400-500 MDL.
• Transnistrian region. Near the customs post of Dorotcaia village, at 9:30 a.m., an old man asked the Promo-LEX observer ‘are you going to pay me for having voted?’. Then, he left in a hurry.
• PS 37/11 Transnistrian region. At 10:10 a.m., one voter mentioned that in the vehicle that he came with, people were paid to vote for a contender.
• Cocieri, Transnistrian region. At 10:40 a.m., one voter revolted that no stamp was applied on her ID card loose leaf, hence she was not going to be paid. When the Promo-LEX observer asked her, she answered it was about MDL 400.
• PS 37/11, PS 27/12 Transnistrian region. One voter getting off the public transport unit No 7, r/n. 334 MM, which was carrying voters to the PS, informed the Promo-LEX observer that they received 500-600 MDL in order to vote for a particular contender.
• Molovata Noua, Transnistrian region: According to Promo-LEX observer, at about 10 a.m., approximately 23 cars were staying in the courtyard, and many others outside, which were coming repeatedly. One voter was talking about payment. She informed the observer that if the stamp was not applied in her ID card, she would not get the money. She was told that if she voted for a certain contender, she would get 400 MDL.
• PS 38/30, Russian Federation, Moscow. At 10:20 a.m. a group of voters came to vote. Before entering the PS, they were talking to a person, asking her on which number to apply their ‘Voted’ stamp in ballot paper. After leaving the PS, the STO noted that the respective person offered something to the voters.
• PS 4/034, Anenii Noi, Speia. According to the rumors and discussions of people who were to exercise their right to vote, the mayor of the village offers a mug of beer as a reward for every vote for a particular contender. People could get their reward at the mayor’s bar. The observer saw that people who voted went to the bar and received a mug of beer for free. There was also a conversation between two voters, in which one of them told the other one that who voted for a particular contender, received a mug of beer for free. This situation was noted at about 12:00 p.m.
• PS 37/035 Floresti, Sanatauca. At 01:00 p.m. two people were talking in the PS courtyard, at a distance of 7-10 m, that they had to be paid 200 MDL for their vote.

Organised transportation of voters (buses, minibuses or other transport units that, normally, do not have to stay close to the polling stations) – 20 cases.

• PS 37/27 Transnistrian region, Dorotcaia v. At 8:10 a.m., a blue minibus, r/n E852BC, carried around 7 people. From their discussions at the minibus, it was clear that they were from a particular electoral contender and other voters were to be brought.
• Transnistrian region, Criuleni. At least one taxi cab, grey Dacia Logan, was noticed repeatedly, transporting 4–5 people each time.
• Transnistrian region. Rascaetii Vechi, Stefan Voda d. At least 25 minibuses and cars WG Passat, WG Sharan with the registration numbers C 528 CO; T 376 KE were noticed to carry voters from the left bank of the Nistru river to the polling stations. According to Promo-LEX observers, each car transported a number of people larger than the number allowed for each transport unit.
• PS 37/18 Transnistrian region. At 10:07 a.m., a white Mercedes sprinter, r/n T503HP carried 8-9 people, which exceeded the maximum number allowed.
• PS 37/8 Transnistrian region. At 9:30 a.m., a minibus, Mercedes Vitto r/n A773HC, was noticed transporting 7-8 people, exceeding the maximum number allowed.
• PS 37/30 Transnistrian region. At about 9:30-9:45 a.m., several minibuses were noticed near the PS. Ford Transit r/n CLK328, Wotsfagen Transit r/n TE049AO, minivan seat E659BA, minivan subaru E539BE , Kia Cares E799BB, minivan seat  There were also noticed approximately 60 cars.
• PS 37/11 Transnistrian region. At 10:01 a.m., the Promo-LEX observer found that a minibus with a capacity of 7 places, r/n A966EP, brought voters for the second time.
• PS 37/33 Sanatauca v., Transnistrian region. An Audi car, r/n K341AK, carried 3 people in order to vote. This car passed the customs 2 times.
• PS 37/15 Transnistrian region, Cocieri v. At 10:15 a.m. a white Mercedes bus, r/n E762BM, brought about 35-41 people. People in that bus were talking that the transportation was organised by an electoral contender.
• PS 37/15 Transnistrian region, Cocieri v. Near the PS, there are about 40 private cars. According to Promo-LEX observers, the cars were coming repeatedly, carrying 5 passengers each time.
• PS 37/8, Harbovat, Anenii Noi, Transnistrian region. The Promo-LEX observer noticed that a grey Chrysler, r/n A281 EM, carried 4 voters at least two times.
• PS 37/11, PS 27/12 Transnistrian region. At 10:30 a.m., the organised transportation of voters was noticed by the public bus No 7, r/n T 334 MM. Though it was a public transport unit, all the people getting off were coming to vote.
• PS 37/37 Transnistrian region. The Promo-LEX observer found the organised transportation of 7 people with a grey Renault Espace, r/n P 356 CT. The driver said that he was transporting voters regularly at the request of his superiors, avoiding to specify where he worked. (According to informal information, it could be the Metallurgical factory).
• PS 37/7 Transnistrian region. At 11:20 a.m., a grey Kia minibus, r/n T5620K, carried voters at least two times, 6 people each time.
• Cocieri, Transnistrian region. At 10:35 a.m., according to the Promo-LEX observer, several cars came repeatedly, with 4 people each of them. The Volkswagen Boro E036BC came with voters 2 times, and the driver said that he carried family members.
• PS 30/25 Cocieri, Transnistrian region. It was noticed that the dark grey Mercedes E 784 BM carried voters repeatedly (2 times, 4 voters each time). The observer heard the driver talking on the phone, mentioning that for the first ones he got 300, but for the rest he would get 800 because he had to wait for them longer.
• PS 37/007 Anenii Noi, Gura Bicului. There are 2 white minibuses that carry voters regularly during the day. People get off the vehicles, vote and then get back in. The same drivers and the same vehicles come at least three times each.
• PS 37/ 35 Transnistrian region At 12:56 p.m., the Audi, r/n K963AX was noticed for the second time. For the first time it carried 2 people, for the second one – more than two people.
• PS 37/41 Transnistrian region. At 1.03 p.m. the Promo-LEX observer noticed repeatedly a grey Volkswagen Sharan, r/n C458ET. It carried 6 people and stayed for about 10 min. Another blue minivan Volkswagen passat, C938BX brought repeatedly about 6 people each time.
• PS 37/41 Transnistrian region. At 1:26 p.m., a silver Fiat, r/n ZJA708TS was noticed to carry 6 people getting off the car, as well as of the trunk. This car organised the transportation of voters for the 3rd time.

Unjustified termination/suspension of voting at the polling station – 3 cases.

• PS 37/036, Rezina, Rezina. The voting process was suspended for 10 minutes justifying that they had to ventilate the venue.
• PS 28/054, Singerei, Prepelita. As long as the Elections SAIS (10:23 to 10:30 a.m.) was out of service, the voting process was suspended.
• PS 28/041, Singerei, Iezarenii Vechi. The electricity had been out between 10:50 and 10:55 a.m. The voters had to wait, as the voting process was suspended.
• Restricted access in the polling station for voters not wearing a mask in the context of COVID-19 – 1 case.
• PS 32/030 Stefan Voda, Talmaza. Within the PS, they run out of masks. The PEB Chairperson allows some selected people to vote without masks, and sends the others back home, asking them to come back with masks.

Interruption of the video taping of the electoral procedures during the election day – 21 cases.

• PS 25/002 Orhei, Orhei. It is necessary to restart the camera every two minutes. PEB chairperson called an expert who was not able to solve the deficiencies.
• PS 10/048 Causeni, Ursoaia. At 9:55 a.m., a Promo-Lex observer noted that the camera was not recording. The observer notified the PEB chairperson who said that the battery was running low and was disconnected from the power source.
• PS 22/008, Leova, Iargara. At 09:22, the battery of video camera went of and the camera was out of service. When this was noted, the camera was connected to the energy source to be charged.
• PS 1/209, Chisinau, Riscani. About at 8:40 a.m., the recording stopped because the battery of the camera went off and was connected to be recharged.
• PS 36/16, ATUG, Ceadir-Lunga. The cameras were on when the PS opened. At 08:49, the Promo-LEX observer found that the video cameras went off. The PEB chairperson mentioned the camera was being fixed and that they were waiting for another cameras and that they will ensure the presence of cameras until the vote counting.
• PS 13/24, Criuleni, Jevreni. At 9:00 a.m. they found that the video camera worked with interruptions, going out of service at intervals of 10 minutes. The PEB Chairperson reported those deficiencies.
• PS 24/001, Ocnita, Ocnita. The video camera, although it was connected, started to record only when the voters started to come in; that is, the camera did not record the moment when they opened the PS and sealed the ballot boxes.
• PS 33/003 Taraclia, Taraclia. The video camera did not work between 7:10-7:30 a.m. and 7:40-7:50 a.m. Currently, the camera works with interruptions. PEB chairperson called the experts in order to solve the situation.
• PS 25/025 Orhei, Ciocilteni. The camera was switched off after sealing the ballot boxes. At the request of Promo-LEX, the PEB chairperson said that the camera should be switched on only when opening and closing the polling station.
• PS 10/013 Causeni, Baimaclia. Between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. the camera didn’t work because it switched off and needed to be restarted. The PEB chairperson called to CEC and reported this situation.
• PS 11/014 Cimislia, Albina. At 11:00 a.m. it was found that the camera haven’t been working since morning. During the period when the Promo-LEX observer was in the PS, the camera was not connected.
• PS 33/24, Taraclia. The video camera works with deficiencies. The voting process is not recorded. PEB members continue to try to fix the equipment.
• PS 11/15 Cimislia, Batir. The camera did not work when the PS opened. When asked about why it id not work, the PEB members switched the camera on.
• PS 7/59 Cahul, Tataresti. The video camera was not recording the electoral process. When asked about why it id not work, the PEB members switched the camera on.
• PS 18/65, Floresti, Trifanesti. The video camera recorded only during the opening of the PS; after that the camera was switched off.
• PS 38/40 France, Paris. At 9:10 a.m. the recording of the electoral process was interrupted.
• PS 38/121 Romania, Craiova. At 8:05 a.m. the camera was not recording the electoral process any more.
• PS 21/042 Ialoveni, Tipala. The video camera had not worked between 08.00 a.m. and 12.00 a.m. and the problem was solved by the operators.
• PS 2/016 Balti, Balti. At 11:54 a.m. a child stumbled across the cable of the video camera and the camera broke down. The PEB Chairperson announced CEC and drafted a protocol.
• PS 1/240 Chisinau, Riscani. The video camera ran out of storage memory and there is no other memory card. By 1:00 p.m. the problem was not solved.
• PS 1/240 Chisinau, Riscani. Given that the storage memory of the video camera run out, the recording of the voting process was interrupted. PEB members try to solve the situation.

Electioneering or black PR within the area of 100 m and/or near the polling station to influence the voters – 13 cases.

• PS 38/46 Germany, Berlin. The observer nominated by a contender was actively involved in organising the flow of voters in the polling station, including by grabbing by hand those who have hard times to get in there.
• PS 28/027, Singerei, Copaceni. An individual electioneered within the PS in favour of a contender. The PEB chairperson warned her verbally.
• PS 36/019 ATUG, Ceadir-Lunga. A voter remained in the PS to electioneer in favor of a contender saying that people should not vote for ‘men wearing lip sticks’. The PEB Chairperson stepped in and asked him to leave the PS.
• PS 37/020, Causeni, Farladeni. After exiting the voting booth, voters go to other booths and tell other voters who to vote for. People were warned by incidents continue to happen.
• PS 32/10 Stefan Voda, Ciorbu. An observer nominated by a contender stays outside of the PS counting the voters and talking to them. The PEB chairperson warned him, but he changed his place and continues his activity.
• PS 32/23 Stefan Voda, Rascaieti. An observer nominated by a contender talks to voters within the PS about their electoral choices. None of the PEB members stepped in.
• PS 32/15 Stefan Voda, Festelita. A voter electioneered in favor of a contender and at the same time denigrated other contenders within the PS. The PEB chairperson stepped in and the voter left the PS continuing to dispute with the observers from other parties. The police stepped in.
• PS 31/014 Soldanesti, Cusmirca. A car (beige Lada, VGF 484) had been parked for 15 minutes within 10 meters from the PS; the car was stamped with electoral stickers, A3 format, in favor of a candidate. The driver came to vote in the PS.
• PS 37/041 Stefan Voda, Rascaieti. Three people were discussing in the courtyard of the PS about who should people vote for, favoring certain contenders and criticizing others.
• PS 28/17, Singerei, Bilicenii Vechi. An observer was wearing a mask with the symbol of a party within the PS. After a while, the observer left the PS and after returned – wearing another mask already.
• PS 1/206, Chisinau, Riscani. At 10:08 a.m., a voter came to the PS and after he received the ballot paper asked the other voters from the PS where to apply the stamp. As a result, the voters electioneered by expressing their opinion. When the PEB chairperson intervened, the voter cast his vote and left the PS.
• PS 7/27, Cahul, Burlaceni. A voter who was wearing a vest with the logo of a contender came to the PS and cast his vote.
• PS 37/031 Dubasari, Ustia. A voter screamed inside the PS ‘I vote for ___’ and he was electioneering in favor of the candidate within the PS. Due to his aggressive and violent behaviour they called the police in order to take him out of the PS.

Acts of violence or bullying against voters or other persons — 7 cases.

• PS 8/039, Cantemir, Sadic. At 8:50 a.m., outside the PS there was a conflict between a contender’s observer and a PEB member. Contender’s observer accused the PEB member of throwing a stone at him. The PEB chairperson intervened and settled the situation.
• PS 1/138, Chisinau, Centru. A verbal conflict occurred between a voter and the Elections SAIS operator because the voter was dissatisfied that operator spoke and responded to him in Romanian (the voter being a Russian language speaker). Finally, the voter called the law enforcement authorities and wrote a complaint with respect to this issue. The voter left without waiting for law enforcement bodies’ representatives to come. Three police officers came to the PS, took the voter’s complaint and left.
• PS 1/35 Chisinau, Botanica. When a contender’s observer entered the PS, he was insulted by an observer of a contender. As a result, a verbal conflict between the two occurred. The conflict was settled after the intervention of the PEB chairperson.
• PS 18/38, Floresti, Frumusica. At the entrance of PS there was a verbal conflict between 7 voters waiting in queue, disregarding the social distance (due to the queue formed). PEB chairperson intervened to resolve the situation.
• PS 37/11 Transnistrian region. Around 9.30 a.m., two voters were swearing. One of them instigated another to vote for a contender. Police were called. They reacted promptly and the conflict was settled.
• PS 38/48, Italy, Mestre. Voters disagreed with the long queues and began to argue, using uncensored and aggressive language.
• PS 38/48, Italy, Mestre. Several PEB members, including the chairperson, were insulted at 7.31 a.m. due to the way the voters’ flow was organised.

Deficiencies in the electoral rolls (gaps between addresses; deceased voters; signatures instead of other people) – 14 cases.

• PS 11/002 Cimislia, Cimislia. A voter noticed that the main rolls include voters who died some time ago.
• PS 1/242, Chisinau, Riscani. A voter noticed deceased people included in the electoral rolls.
• PS 1/100 Chisinau, Buiucani. One voter did not appear in the electoral rolls, although according to the data from the identity card the voter should have been assigned to the respective PS. Chairperson of the PS ordered to include the voter in the additional rolls.
• PS 1/291, Chisinau, Stauceni. A voter noticed a deceased person included in the electoral rolls.
• PS 7/005 Cahul, Cahul. A voter noticed that the electoral rolls include people who have recently died due to COVID.
• PS 25/064, Orhei, Putintei. A voter was not included in the electoral roll, despite being domiciled in the locality according to the identity card. The voter was included in the additional rolls.
• PS 1/86, Chisinau, Buiucani. One voter did not appear in the electoral rolls, although according to the data from the identity card the voter should have been assigned to the respective PS. PEB chairperson ordered to include the voter in the additional rolls.
• PS 1/64 Chisinau, A voter identified a deceased relative included in the electoral rolls.
• PS 1/61, Chisinau, Botanica. Two voters were not found in the electoral rolls. As a result, it was ordered to include the voters in the additional rolls.
• PS 1/26, Chisinau, Botanica. A voter was not in the electoral rolls. As a result, it was ordered to include this voter in the additional rolls.
• PS 1/100 Chisinau, A voter was not found in the main electoral rolls. PEB chairperson ordered to include the voter in the additional rolls.
• PS 1/156, Chisinau, Ciocana. A voter signed in the electoral rolls by mistake, instead of another voter. PEB members prepared minutes on the situation described.
• PS 36/012 ATUG, Comrat. A voter found his deceased wife in the electoral rolls. When the voter asked for clarification, PEB member suggested that the voter should bring the certificate of death.
• PS 1/81, Chisinau, Buiucani. A voter was not found in the main electoral rolls and PEB members informed him that he should get a voting right certificate beforehand. As a result, the voter reacted aggressively, assaulting PEB members with uncensored words. Finally, the voter cast his vote and was included in the additional rolls.

Difficulties in the operation of Elections SAIS (suspended operation; situations when Elections SAIS shows that the voter has already voted, but the voter claims he/she didn’t) – 12 cases.

• PS 29/046 Soroca, Racovat. Between 8:05 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., due to the technical deficiencies of the Elections SAIS, the people who voted were included in the paper rolls.
• PS 18/002, Floresti, Floresti. Operators did not find one voter in Elections SAIS. PEB chairperson proposed this person to approach PEB members to be searched in the main rolls too, but the voter refused and left.
• PS 9/002 Calarasi, Calarasi. Since 8 a.m. and until 9:30 a.m. both computers in the PS did not work constantly, shutting down periodically. PEB chairperson called a responsible person from Moldtelecom. Operators perform the registration manually.
• PS 26/012, Rezina, Cuizauca. From 7:30 a.m. until now – 8:47 a.m., both computers do not operate. Experts came but the issue was not solved. Voters cast their votes, they are included in paper rolls.
• PS 29/046 Soroca, Holosnita. Due to the power failure within PS during 8:05–8:30 a.m., voters were registered on paper by ESAIS operators.
• PS 37/036, Rezina, Rezina. Elections SAIS had not operated for about 10 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 9:40 a.m., after that the connection was restored.
• PS 7/005 Cahul, Cahul. Two voters came to the PS: the first voter, assigned to this polling station according to his ID card loose leaf, was not present in the operators’ database and voted on the additional roll. The second voter has an expired residence visa and was included in the additional roll.
• PS 1/222, Chisinau, Riscani. Between 10:25 a.m. and 10:55 a.m., Elections SAIS did not operate. During this period, voters were registered manually, and after the system was restored, they were entered in the database.
• PS 38/36 France, Paris. Elections SAIS did not operate between 7:02 a.m. and 7:06 a.m.
• PS 38/36 France, Paris. Elections SAIS did not operate between 7:50 a.m. and 8:03 a.m.
• PS 28/054, Singerei, Prepelita. Between 11:00 a.m. and 11:05 a.m., Elections SAIS did not operate. Subsequently, one computer stopped working.
• PS 28/048, Singerei, Iezarenii Vechi. At 1:34 p.m. electricity went out in the whole community. At 2:45 p.m. it was still out. The voting process was stopped, the reason being the lack of electricity to register voters in the Elections SAIS.

Unjustified presence of unauthorised people inside or within 100 m from the polling station – 16 cases.

• PS 27/033 Riscani, Pirjota. 5 people without observer credentials were allowed in the PS, two of them declared they were on behalf of a contender, one on behalf of another, the others were unknown. They justified that their credentials were to be brought to them. PEB chairperson granted them access.
• PS 16/033, Edinet, Goleni. Mayor of the commune stands at the entrance to the PS and talks to voters, it is unknown if there is any electioneering going on.
• PS 37/8, Harbovat, Anenii Noi. Between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. a representative of a contender was present within 100 metres of the polling station. He was discussing with observers and PEB members.
• PS 18/032 Floresti, Gura Camencii. The mayor of the commune together with the PEB Chairperson entered the room where the ballot papers are kept and stayed there for about 5 minutes.
• PS 31/004 Soldanesti, Alcedar. A local councillor of a contender (former mayor for two mandates) was present near the PS for about 20–30 minutes talking with voters.
• PS 26/008, Rezina, Rezina. After voting, one person was standing next to PS and talking to voters. A policeman warned her and she left.
• PS 31/022 Soldanesti, Oliscani. An unknown person had monitored the voting process for 20 minutes through the window of PS. When asked to leave by PEB Chairperson, the person used aggressive and violent language.
• PS 38/20, Russian Federation, Moscow. Starting with 8:00 a.m., within 100 m from the polling station, unidentified persons who introduced themselves as part of the ‘Dar pentru Moldova’ team were distributing travel vouchers to voters.
• PS 11/014 Cimislia, Albina. Electoral posters favouring a contender were glued on a pole within 10 meters from the PS.
• PS 18/55, Floresti, Rosietici. There is a person within the PS, introducing himself as a representative of a contender, but he had neither credentials, nor was wearing a badge. The PEB chairperson is trying to clarify and solve the situation.
• PS 37/33 Sanatauca v., Transnistrian region. At 8:30 a.m., veterans of the war on the left bank of Nistru river were transported by 2 cars, one of them with registration number FBH841KD, Volkswagen. They stood in front of the polling station and talked to the voters for 10-15 minutes. As of 10:45 a.m. the war veterans were still in the Sanatauca village.
• PS 38/48 Germany, Frankfurt am Main. At 10:15 a.m., a candidate was present within 100 meters from the PS. He did not vote and was talking to voters.
• PS 37/4, Calfa, Anenii Noi, Transnistrian region. At 12.30 p.m. a candidate was near the polling station discussing, greeting the voters, PEB members and other observers. He talked to the mayor, who invited him to the town hall to talk.
• PS 38/22, Russian Federation, Moscow. At 11:30 a.m. two people (apparently minors) were noticed distributing vouchers worth RUR 1,000 to voters on their way to the polling station.
• PS 38/30, Russian Federation, Moscow. At 10.50 a.m., there were unauthorised persons within 100 m of the PS — ‘Dar pentru Moldova’ campaign — who were distributing flyers saying ‘Friendship between Russia and Moldova’. The Chairperson notified the police and police, in turn, notified those people. They went further from the PS, but continued to distribute flyers.
• PS 16/49, Edinet, Viisoara. At 12:30 p.m. the President of Edinet district parked his car CNA 101 (Skoda, black, service car) for 10 min in front of the polling station. PEB members did not step in, did not come out.

Presence of advertising materials, posters, election billboards within the range of the polling station (100 meters from the PS premises) – 24 cases.

• PS 29/032 Soroca, Horodiste. Within the area of 100 meters from the PS, A3 advertising materials favoring two electoral contenders were identified on the information board. The Promo-LEX observer, including yesterday, drew the attention of PEB chairperson about this fact, but he did not take note.
• PS 11/030 Cimislia, Ivanovca Noua. An A4 leaflet that favours a contender is displayed on a pole close to the PS. PEB members were notified and the leaflet was removed.
• PS 1/123, Chisinau, Centru. A truck covered with banners of an electoral contender was parked at a distance of about 80 meters from the PS.
• PS 1/117, Chisinau, Center. Electoral posters of an electoral contender were displayed on a pole and on the wall of an apartment building, at the entrance, at a distance of about 80 meters from the PS.
• PS 36/7 Comrat, ATUG. Advertising materials in support of a contender are displayed within 100 meters of the polling station.
• PS 33/26 Taraclia, Salcia. A billboard of a contender was noted within 100 meters of the polling station, on the balcony of an apartment building.
• PS 27/003 Riscani, Riscani. Songs from the soviet period can be heard from speakers that are installed in a building across the PS. Advertising materials in favour of a contender are displayed on the same building. The mayor called the police and the situation is currently being dealt with.
• PS 25/064, Orhei, Putintei. A4 leaflets in favour of a contender are displayed within maximum 60 meters. The PEB chairperson told that he would delegate a person to remove them.
• PS 31/004 Soldanesti, Alcedar. Electoral posters favouring a contender are displayed on an electricity poles within 60 meters from the PS.
• PS 31/030 Soldanesti, Sestaci. A4 leaflets of an electoral contender were spotted on the electricity pole and on the information board close to the PS.
• PS 32/001 Stefan Voda, Stefan Voda. A billboard of an electoral contender was spotted within the area of the polling station.
• PS 36/003 ATUG, Comrat. Two banners displaying a contender and their symbol were spotted within the area of the PS.
• PS 28/008, Singerei, Alexandreni. An A3 poster of a contender is displayed within 50 meters from the PS.
• PS 14/003 Drochia, Drochia. An A4 leaflet that favours a contender is displayed on a pole within 50 meters from the PS.
• PS 25/028 Orhei, Crihana. An advertising banner displaying materials favouring an electoral contender is located within 40 m from the PS. The PEB chairperson was notified and the materials have been removed.
• PS 32/031 Stefan Voda, Tudora. Various materials that advertise several contenders are displayed on the information board near the PS, within about 30 meters.
• PS 32/031 Stefan Voda, Tudora. Leaflets of a contender are displayed in a shop, across the PS.
• PS 32/023 Stefan Voda, Rascaieti. Electoral advertising favouring a contender was spotted on the information board in front of the Culture Palace, across the PS.
• PS 18/55, Floresti, Rosietici. Electoral posters of a contender were spotted on an information board and on poles, close to the PS. The PEB chairperson asked a PEB member to remove them.
• PS 1/246, Chisinau, Codru. Electoral posters in favour of a contender were spotted within 100 meters from the PS.
• PS 7/59 Cahul, Tataresti. Within 50 meters from the PS, electoral posters favouring a contender were spotted on poles, and posters in favour of another contender were spotted on the information board. The PEB chairperson was informed about this and he stepped in to remove that electoral advertising.
• PS 13/4 Soldanesti, Alcedar. Electoral posters in favour of a contender were spotted on poles within 50 meters from the PS. After the PEB members were informed, they removed the electoral materials.
• PS 1/11 Chisinau, Botanica. Electoral posters of an electoral contender were displayed on a fence across the PS.

Taking pictures of ballot papers, other violations of the secrecy of voting (display of the ballot paper after casting the vote, improper placement of voting booths, which allows to see the voter’s option, etc.) – 36 cases.

• PS 25/039, Orhei, Ivancea. The voting booth was located near the table of PEB members and there was the risk that someone could see who the voter voted for.
• PS 9/014 Calarasi, Dereneu. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper. PEB members notified the PEB chairperson. They called the police and the voter deleted the picture.
• PS 1/104 Chisinau, Buiucani. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper after voting, but at the request of PEB chairperson the voter deleted it.
• SV 38/46 Germany. A group of voters discuss the voting options in the voting booth. Not a single member of the electoral bureau noticed the incident.
• PS 35/007, Ungheni, Ungheni. A voter showed the ballot paper after voting and asked the observers if the choice was correct. All the observers saw who he voted for, but none of PEB members warned him.
• PS 37/009 Anenii Noi, Varnita. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The PEB chairperson warned him asked him to delete the picture.
• PS 20/048 Hincesti, Miresti. A lady took a picture of the ballot paper. PEB chairperson approached her but it was impossible to find out if the picture was deleted.
• PS 11/010 Cimislia, Cimislia. As soon as he came out of the voting booth, a voter showed his ballot paper to a PEB member and introduced it in the ballot box. The chairperson did not notice the incident.
• PS 1/242, Chisinau, Riscani. A voter tried to photograph the ballot paper, but the incident was avoided when an observer and the PEB chairperson stepped in.
• PS 1/233, Chisinau, Riscani. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper, but at the PEB vice-chairperson’s request it was deleted.
• PS 1/191, Chisinau, Riscani. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper, but at the PEB chairperson’s request it was deleted.
• PS 1/114, Chisinau, Center. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper, but at the PEB chairperson’s request it was deleted.
• PS 1/248, Chisinau, Codru. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper, but at the PEB chairperson’s request it was deleted.
• PS 1/136, Chisinau, Center. One voter took a picture of the ballot paper, but at the PEB chairperson’s request it was deleted.
• PS 38/65, Italy, Milano. At 9:25 a.m., a voter was noticed photographing the ballot paper. When an observer brought this to the attention of the PEB members they didn’t react in any way whatsoever.
• PS 38/48 Germany, Frankfurt am Main. At 7.34 a.m., a case of ballot paper being photographed was registered.
• PS 38/48 Germany, Frankfurt am Main. At 8:30 a.m., 2 observers noticed a voter photographing the ballot paper.
• PS 38/22, Russian Federation, Moscow. At 10.03 a.m., a case of ballot paper being photographed was noticed.
• PS 38/124, Romania, Suceava. At 10:32 a.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper and was asked to delete it.
• PS 38/147 Turkey, Istanbul. Around 10:40 a.m., a woman entered the voting booth with her phone and made a photo.
• PS 38/124 Romania, Suceava. At 11:09 a.m., a voter was noticed photographing the ballot paper.
• PS 8/008 Cantemir, Cania. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The PEB chairperson asked the voter to delete it and then called the police. The voter deleted the picture, but a protocol was drafted and he was taken by the police officers.
• PS 38/116, Romania, Iasi. At 11.35 a.m., a picture was taken of the ballot paper.
• PS 38/65, Italy, Milano. At 11.04 a.m., a picture was taken of the ballot paper.
• PS 30/006, Straseni, Straseni. The observer of a political party took a picture of his ballot paper. The PEB Chairperson asked him to delete the picture.
• PS 37/010 Anenii Noi, Varnita. More than two voters took a picture of their ballot papers while in the voting booth. The chairperson warned them and asked to delete the pictures.
• PS 37/010 Anenii Noi, Varnita. In at least six cases voters consulted one another about who to vote for within the PS.
• PS 8/008 Cantemir, Cania. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The PEB chairperson asked the voter to delete it and then called the police. The voter deleted the picture, but a protocol was drafted and he was taken by the police officers.
• PS 9/36 Calarasi, Saseni. A young man, aged about 18-20, made a phone call and took a picture of his ballot paper while in the voting booth. The incident was noticed by all those present in the PS. PEB members warned him and asked delete the picture. Doesn’t have any evidence.
• PS 35/007, Ungheni, Ungheni. At 12:47 p.m., a voter took a picture of the ballot paper. Not a single PEB member reacted in any way whatsoever, arguing that they had not seen anything.
• PS 2/035 Balti, Balti. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper. PEB members noticed and asked the voter to delete it.
• PS 38/4 Belgium, Brussels. At 11:37 a.m. one voter took a picture of the ballot paper. The voter then deleted it after being told that it was illegal.
• PS 38/46 Germany, Berlin. Voters from adjacent voting booths talk and tell each other how to vote.
• PS 38/48 Germany, Frankfurt am Main. At 11:45 a.m. one voter took a picture of the ballot paper.
• PS 38/147 Turkey, Istanbul. At 1:07 p.m. a voter took a picture of the ballot paper in the voting booth. A PEB member noticed it and asked the voter to delete the picture in front of her, to which the voter complied.
• PS 38/147 Turkey, Istanbul. A voter took a picture of the ballot paper in the voting booth. A PEB member noticed it and asked the voter to delete the picture in front of her, to which the voter complied.
• The ballot papers that are not distributed to the PEB members are not kept in a secure place – 4 cases
• PS 38/40 France, Paris. The undistributed ballot papers kept in the polling station are not under constant surveillance or in a secure place.
• PS 38/57 Ireland, Dublin. The ballot papers are kept under the secretary’s table with no one watching them.
• PS 38/78, Italy, Mestre. The ballot papers are not kept in a secure place.
• PS 38/58 Ireland, Dublin. At 7:10 a.m., the undistributed ballot papers were in a bag on the polling station’s floor.

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

• PS 27/001 Riscani, Riscani. The ballot boxes were sealed with 3 seals each. The PEB chairperson’s explanation was that the PS was not provided with enough seals.
• PS 36/13, ATUG, Ceadir-Lunga. The ballot boxes were sealed with only 2 seals.
• PS 13/4 Donduseni, Arionesti. One of the stationary ballot boxes was sealed with only 2 seals.
• PS 18/55 Floresti, Rosietici. The mobile ballot box was not sealed, and the PEB chairperson said that it will be sealed at 3:00 m., when the mobile ballot box voting will start.
• PS 27/13 Riscani, Alunis. The mobile ballot box was not sealed.
• PS 1/9 Chisinau, Botanica. The ballot boxes were sealed with only 3 seals.
• PS 38/92. Italy, Vicenza. The ballot box was sealed with only 3 seals instead of 4.
• PS 1/002, Chisinau, Botanica. The ballot boxes were sealed with 3 seals each. The PEB chairperson said that there are not enough seals.
• PS 11/39 Cimislia, Sagaidac. At 12:47 p.m., the Promo-LEX observer found that out of the two stationary ballot boxes, the spare one had no seal.

Unjustified group voting (two or more voters) – 15 cases.

• PS 1/99, Chisinau, Buiucani. A husband and a wife were casting their votes in adjacent voting booths. At one point, the husband indicated to his wife the contender to vote for. The PEB chairperson did not take note of the violation.
• PS 13/027, Donduseni, Taul. At 9:57 a.m., a husband and a wife voted together in the same voting booth.
• PS 32/030 Stefan Voda, Talmaza. Presence in the voting booth of 2 voters at the same time. The PEB chairperson intervened.
• PS 37/028 Dubasari, Dorotcaia. Two voters entered together the voting booth exchanging opinions on how to vote. Not a single PEB member reacted in any way whatsoever.
• PS 37/028 Dubasari, Dorotcaia. Two voters entered a voting booth at the same time. Not a single PEB member reacted in any way whatsoever.
• PS 37/035 Floresti, Sanatauca. Two voters entered a voting booth at the same time. A PEB member intervened and one voter left the booth.
• PS 10/005 Causeni, Causeni. Two elderly people voted in the same voting booth, the chairperson not being present on the PS premises.
• PS 11/038 Cimislia, Porumbrei. Two voters voted together: an elderly person and a person of about 30 years. They were helped by a PEB member. The chairperson did not react.
• PS 11/41, Cimislia, Selemet. At an interval of just 2 minutes, two voters were seen in the same voting booth and two other from adjacent booths consulting each other. PEB members did not step in.
• PS 1/252, Chisinau, Cricova. A voter in the PS was calling other people by phone to ask who to vote for. When the PEB chairperson intervened, the voter closed the phone call, cast his vote and left the PS.
• PS 1/182, Chisinau, Ciocana. A voter, after receiving the ballot paper and heading to the voting booth, was approached by another voter telling him who to vote for. The PEB chairperson reacted immediately, informing the voters about this being a violation.
• PS 38/48 Germany, Frankfurt am Main. At 9:05 a.m. a male and a female voter voted together in the same booth (none had any disability).
• PS 38/40 France, Paris. From the beginning of the observation until 9:30 a.m., there were 2 instances of unjustified group voting.
• PS 37/041 Stefan Voda, Rascaieti. Before entering the voting booth, 2 voters were deliberating who to vote for. A PEB member warned them not to stand together.
• PS 38/46 Germany, Berlin. At 11:44 a.m., two voters, without any justification, entered a voting booth, and not a single PEB member reacted in any way whatsoever.

Failure to observe COVID-19 protection measures – 1 case.

• PS 32/031 Stefan Voda, Tudora. The PS does not have in stock any protection masks, including for the person responsible for taking temperatures. The PEB chairperson said that the PS was not provided with enough masks.

Other – 2 cases.

• PS 1/140, Chisinau, Center. At 10:10 a.m., a voter came to the polling station with a new-born in a stroller. Allegedly due to COVID pandemic, the PEB chairperson did not allow her to enter the PS with the child. The lady explained that she could not leave the child outside and asked to write a complaint. The chairperson did not allow her to write the complaint, telling her to go home, write the complaint and then come back. The lady did not vote and left.
• PS 38/46 Germany, Berlin. At 12.04 p.m. the Promo-LEX observer noticed a member of the electoral bureau inserting himself, instead of voters, the ballot papers into the ballot box.

This press release was prepared as part of the Election Observation Mission for the early Parliamentary Elections of 11 July 2021, conducted by Promo-LEX Association with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the ‘Democracy, Transparency and Responsibility’ Program, of the Council of Europe through ‘Support for civic observation of the 2021 Early Parliamentary Elections in the polling stations set up abroad’ Project, as well as of the Netherlands Embassy Office in Chisinau through ‘Support for informing citizens and civic observation of the 2021 Early Parliamentary Elections in the polling stations set up for voters from the transnistrian region’. ‘Hate speech’ component is supported by Justice and Human Rights Department of Soros Foundation Moldova through ‘Strengthening a platform for the development of human rights activism and education in the Republic of Moldova – stage IV”.

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

If there are any discrepancies between the text in Romanian language and its translation in another language, the provisions set in the Romanian version prevail. 

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