The OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission (LEOM) for the June 14 local elections ascertained that campaign activities are mainly conducted through door-to-door canvassing and small community meetings. Campaign messages are largely affected by a corruption scandal in the banking sector as well as the polarization of the society on the east or west political orientation of the country. These are the first conclusions reached by the LEOM, IPN reports.
According to the Mission’s interim report, candidate registration concluded on 21 May. Some contestants voiced complaints regarding the registration process, reporting cases of documents not required by the law being requested by election commissions.
The recent legal amendments provide that contestants are not allowed to campaign using images representing symbols and institutions of the Republic of Moldova and foreign states and international organizations, and that foreign citizens cannot be involved in campaign activities.
The recent legal amendments criminalize campaign finance irregularities and address some previous OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, including by enhancing oversight, introducing more comprehensive reporting requirements and stipulating criteria for spending limits. The Central Election Commission has already issued warnings to a number of contestants for campaign finance irregularities.
The 14 June local elections will be conducted to elect 898 mayors and 11,680 councilors.
