The 2024 presidential elections and referendum are being held against the backdrop of crucial debates in the public sphere about the geopolitical orientation of the country. The electoral process is being managed efficiently and transparently and institutions are working intensively to improve political finance checks and enhance transparency. However, attempts to interfere in the electoral process, through voter corruption or other means pose a significant challenge not only for the current election, but also for the future of democratic developments in the country, Dritan Taulla, Head of the International Election Observation Mission (EOM) of ENEMO for the 2024 Presidential Elections and Constitutional Referendum in Moldova, stated at a news conference hosted at IPN.
Mariam Chubabria, Political and Campaign Analyst of the EOM of ENEMO, said that a new Election Code was adopted since the last 2020 Presidential Elections. “The reformation process was transparent, comprehensive and inclusive, in line with a longstanding primary recommendation by ENEMO. The Electoral Code has been amended seven times since its adoption, three of which in 2024. The legal framework provides a sound basis for the conduct of elections in line with international commitments and standards,” stated Mariam Chubabria.
Elidon Lamani, Election Analyst of the EOM of ENEMO, stated that the Central Election Commission (CEC) is operating transparently and is overall managing elections in accordance with the legal requirements and deadlines. CEC sessions are open to observers and the media. Generally, the CEC enjoys the trust of political stakeholders, however, some of them have expressed reservations, especially on its composition. Most lower-level election management bodies visited by ENEMO observers as of 9 October were operating efficiently and transparently, with no significant issues impacting their preparations for the upcoming presidential elections and constitutional referendum.
“For the first time, Moldovan voters residing in some countries have the possibility to vote by mail, with the CEC establishing three polling stations for these voters. Additionally, the CEC established 231 polling stations for voters abroad. Some interlocutors have raised concerns about the number of polling stations in the Russian Federation, and the related decisions have also been legally challenged. The decision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs not to staff three out of the five polling stations established in the Russian Federation lacked full transparency. Within the legal timeframe, the CEC also established 30 polling stations for voters residing in Transnistria,” said Elidon Lamani.
Momcilo Radulovic, Political and Campaign Analyst of the EOM stated that the electoral campaign was generally calm during the observed period. “Campaign messages have been centered primarily on economic and social issues, including infrastructure and economic development projects. Although foreign policy and choices on the geopolitical orientation of the country are discussed prominently in the public sphere, they are not generally prioritized by the candidates during their campaign,” said the analyst.
The legal framework for campaign finance generally aligns with the recommendations of the Venice Commission and the Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO). However, the general social and political environment in Moldova is negatively impacted by the influence of third-party actors from foreign state entities or from individuals and groups that are conducting illegal or negative economic, social and political activities against democratic institutions and rule of law. The electoral environment also suffers from these negative interventions.
“Claims of many ENEMO interlocutors and media reports have recently been additionally supported by revelations from official investigations on potential serious violations of the rules on political financing, undermining the rule of law and functioning of state institutions. The findings of law enforcement authorities about potential illegal financing of some presidential candidates might have a serious impact on the electoral process. ENEMO believes that the decisions of the relevant institutions in the upcoming period should aim at upholding democratic standards, overall institutional and political stability, and sustainability of further development of democratic processes, while fully upholding the rule of law,” concluded Momcilo Radulovic.
The Preliminary Statement issued today is based on ENEMO’s findings on the national level and throughout the regions observed from 10 September to 9 October 2024. The EOM will issue its statement of preliminary findings and conclusions after the election day and will remain in the country to observe post-election developments, including a potential second round of elections to be held on 3 November if none of the presidential candidates on the ballot will secure a majority of the votes cast in the first round.
Note: IPN Agency offers the right of reply to persons who consider that they were targeted in the news articles produced based on the statements of the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference in similar conditions.
