Promo-LEX Association launches its first election monitoring report of the summer 2011 election campaign. The report covers the period April 18 to May 5 and describes the pre-election context, the main developments in the campaign, presents findings about the performance of the local government, election authorities, electoral competitors and the local media and makes a number of recommendations.
According to observers from Promo-LEX the pre-election period was marked by uncertainty about the date of the general local elections. Electoral Code changes were made outside the period prescribed for that purpose by the Venice Commission. The election date was within the limits set by the Electoral Code, without affecting the continuity of local government activity.
Promo-LEX Observers have noted that local authorities tend to comply with the deadlines set by the electoral law and take measures to create equal conditions for all candidates. Local authorities, with some exceptions, provide sufficient logistical support to the electoral authorities.
The election bodies were set up, with some exceptions, within the deadlines established by law and were fair towards electoral competitors. Shortcomings were found in the establishment of polling stations, displaying of information on the premises of polling stations. Until May 3, 2011, systematic information of the official website of the Central Election Commission had not been placed on the premises of polling stations and neither were their contact details.
Observers were informed on at least two cases of an inability to exercise the right to be elected as a local representative in the local administrative-territorial region of Bender and the Transnistrian region, for the lack of electoral authorities.
In most municipalities the standardized approach does not work on the preparation, administration, updating and verification of voter lists. After verifying voter lists were accessible to observers, it was found that there were not any hinderances.
Observers reported isolated cases of extensive interpretation of election law. This led to campaigning before the official registration by candidates before the electoral authorities, including the provision of electoral gifts. Of particular concern was the application of physical and mental violence against opponents of opinion / policy and use of administrative resources.
According to I. Manole, head of the monitoring effort “these violent incidents show the low level of political culture and lack of democratic traditions in Moldovan society, recommending the initiation of awareness raising and civic education campaigns to promote a spirit of tolerance and civilized behavior, so that violence should be avoided.”
Observers have noticed the active involvement of national, local and regional media in election coverage and in particular covering the performance and behavior of the election authorities and competitors. At the moment, some legal shortcomings were noticed, relating in particular to identify the authors of election advertising in accordance with legal norms.
Recommendations of Promo-LEX observers are made in good faith and to improve the electoral process. These are based on findings and indicate in particular the direction of intervention required, without dictating solutions.
The project “Monitoring the local elections of 5 June 2011” received technical and financial assistance from the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI).The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of donors.
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