The second round of the presidential election in Moldova was competitive, with respect for fundamental freedoms. The people made their choice in a free manner, but the media campaign was increasingly polarized, international observers concluded in a preliminary statement released on November 14, quoted by IPN.
Technical preparations for the second round were generally administered professionally and, overall, the observers assessed election day positively.
“The more intense campaign in the lead-up to the second round succeeded in mobilizing a greater number of voters and offered an opportunity for citizens to express their choice,” said Arta Dade, the Special Co-coordinator and leader of the short-term OSCE observer mission. “This underlines a desire for continued civic mobilization, and I encourage the newly-elected President to support the reforms needed to restore public confidence in state institutions.”
Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter, Head of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe delegation, said their primary concern was not the outcome of the presidential election, but rather the functioning of the democratic electoral process.
“I note that the legal framework is incomplete when it comes to the second round and it leaves too much room for interpretation,” said Geir Joergen Bekkevold, Head of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly delegation, adding that the arrangements for organizing the elections abroad were insufficient.
“Legislation should be adopted to provide a clear framework for campaign finance for all stages of the electoral cycle,” said Igor Soltes, Head of the European Parliament delegation. “A continuing concern is the lack of transparency in the area of campaign finance – as well as the possibilities to manipulate the media that this can provide.”
Douglas Wake, Head of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission, said the international observers will continue to monitor the post-election period and will then present a final report. The European institutions stand ready to offer the necessary support to address the witnessed shortcomings and strengthen the electoral legislation and procedures.
