Chisinau, July 21, 2009. Promo-LEX Association launched the second report on the monitoring of the campaign for the July 29, 2009. The monitoring was done in 7 electoral constituencies, namely Floresti, Rezina, Dubasari, Anenii Noi, Causeni, and Stefan Voda and the Transnistrian region of Moldova. The first monitoring report covers the period between July 11-20, 2009.
During the monitoring period, similarly to the findings of the previous report of July 14, the Promo-LEX monitoring effort notes that the electoral law was not fully adhered to by the stakeholders.
In certain localities, non-observance of electoral regarding posting voter lists determined a low interest for verifying those lists by the voters. In addition to violations concerning the deadline and other conditions for posting voter lists, Promo-LEX observers noted shortcomings in the information included by the mayoralties in those preliminary lists. Promo-LEX is concerned that the ambiguous definition of responsibilities in compiling voter lists may affect the quality of the voting.
The monitoring mission also notes a worrying trend of hindering observation efforts for the election. The public authorities and law enforcement intimidated and harassed Promo-LEX observers for their activities. The Stefan Voda district administration hindered the training of observers.
Observers also reported patterns of undue influence on voters on behalf of electoral contestants and public authorities in the monitored districts. The perpetuation of such trends of undue influence on and blackmail of voters for their voting options also raises concerns regarding the fairness of the electoral process.
The monitoring effort noted a pattern among the electoral contestants of violating the legal ban on electoral gifts and material goods to voters. The pattern of posting electoral materials in unauthorized areas, noted in the previous monitoring period, also continued. The systemic attempts of various actors to hinder contestants’ electoral activities also raise concerns.
Promo-LEX observers reported multiple cases of use of public office and resources for electoral purposes. The shortcomings in the legislation and the dishonest use of public resources by certain electoral contestants limits the voters’ opportunities to make uninfluenced voting decisions.
The electoral bureaus of polling stations from the monitored region did not start their work on time. Violations of the electoral calendar thus create difficulties for properly conducting the electoral process.
Promo-LEX will continue to monitor the election process and will publish other monitoring reports to election day. The project is being implemented with financial support provided by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).
For more information please contact Association President Promo-LEX, Ion Manole, tel. 49.26.84, e-mail: [email protected]