The International Republican Institute (IRI) is sending a prominent International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) to monitor Moldova’s pivotal presidential election on October 20, 2024, IPN reports, with reference to a press release of IRI.
The mission will be led by six-term U.S. Congressman Peter Roskam, and former European Union Commissioner and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Danuta Hübner. Other prominent members of the mission include Polish Senator Tomasz Lenz, and former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice of Latvia Jānis Bordāns. The delegation will also feature prominent members of the IRI Board of Directors, including Judy Black and Christopher Fussner, alongside senior IRI leadership such as Vice President Scott Mastic and Eurasia Senior Director Steve Nix.
According to Steve Nix, the upcoming election is a crucial moment for Moldova’s democratic development and the continuation of Moldova’s path on the EU accession process. He encouraged all Moldovans to actively participate in this process and ensure their voices are heard. “As Moldova navigates significant internal and external challenges, the integrity of this election is vital not only for the nation but also for the broader stability of the region,” said IRI’s Senior Director for Eurasia.
IRI’s mission will engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, political parties, civil society organizations, and election administrators. The observation mission will assess the election’s transparency, fairness, and overall administration, adhering to the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct, as adopted by the United Nations in 2005.
IRI brings extensive experience to this mission, having conducted and supported over 200 international and citizen election observation missions worldwide. The organization has been actively working in Moldova for more than 20 years, contributing to the strengthening of democratic institutions and civil society.
A preliminary assessment of the election process will be provided shortly after the election, with a comprehensive report including detailed analysis and recommendations to be released in the weeks following the election.
According to the institute, all activities conducted by IRI in Moldova will be carried out in a strictly nonpartisan and non-interfering manner, ensuring an unbiased and accurate observation of the electoral process.
