The Promo-LEX Association Observation Mission of elections has found at least four occurrences that can be interpreted as the involvement of President Igor Dodon in the elections, by promoting the PSRM and its potential candidates. The statement was made at an IPN press conference by the Promo-LEX program director, Pavel Postica, while presenting the second Monitoring Report on the general local elections and on the snap parliamentary elections set for October 20.
During the monitored period, August 15 - September 3, Promo-LEX observers reported at least three events with potential electoral impact and image transfer, organized with the involvement of foundations and organizations associated with political parties. "Renato Usatîi" Foundation was potentially involved in two cases, while "For Orhei" Public Association in one case.
Promo-LEX has identified at least 14 cases that can be qualified as premature candidate designation: 9 cases - USB and 5 cases - ACUM bloc (PPPDA / PAS). The Observation Mission reiterates its position on the need to extend the designation period in the case of local elections, which is shorter compared to parliamentary and presidential elections.
In relation to the snap parliamentary elections, Promo-LEX has identified an increased activism of potential candidates for the MP position in electoral districts. 41 initiative groups have registered in the electoral campaign. 68% of the candidates are nominated by political parties and an electoral bloc. Only two subjects with designation rights - the electoral bloc ACUM and PLR, are running their candidates in all four electoral constituencies in which snap elections will be held.
Additionally, Promo-LEX identified at least 40 cases that can be interpreted as activities with electoral intent. PSRM is leading with 25 cases, PN - 6, Electoral Bloc ACUM - 5, PDM - 2, PPȘ - 1 and PCRM - 1. At the same time, at least 10 cases allegedly involved the usage of administrative resources. Out of the 10 cases, PSRM is involved in 8, PDM in one, while the tenth case is allegedly committed by a potential candidate that currently is not affiliated with a political party.
In other news, Pavel Postica, announced that Promo-LEX will carry out the "I vote for ..." campaign which aims to inform, provide electoral education and mobilize in a non-partisan fashion the citizens of Moldova with the right to vote. The campaign will include "door-to-door" information activities, carried out in 70 localities, involving 34 coordinators and over 200 volunteers, 10 public electoral debates in 10 rural and urban localities, TV and Radio debates, etc.
The observation mission of the October 20 election is carried out by the Promo - LEX Association with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the "Democracy, Transparency and Accountability" Program.
