Uncertain pre-electoral period creates preconditions for incorrect electoral behavior, LADOM

The pre-electoral period monitored by the League for the Defense of Human Rights of Moldova (LADOM) as part of the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections – Coalition 2009 can be described as uncertain. This fact creates preconditions for an incorrect electoral behavior that can increase the risks of election rigging. The statements were made at a news conference held to present the second LADOM report on Wednesday, January 28, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The political situation is marked by limitations of the political rights and harassment of the possible election contenders,” LADOM president Paul Strutzescu said. During the monitoring carried out between December 23, 2008 and January 27, 2009, LADOM recorded a number of positive as well as negative developments that can affect the integrity of the election process and the principles of free and fair elections. The monitors commended the transparency in fixing the date of the parliamentary elections, establishment of dialogue between the political parties and the civil society and some media institutions’ commitment to evenhandedly and impartially cover the election campaign. “A positive aspect is also the accreditation of 44 foreign observers by the Central Election Commission to monitor the pre-electoral period. This happens for the first time. But we are concerned about the absence of guidelines that would strictly regulate the voting process as this could favor multiple voting,” LADOM spokeswoman Rima Placinta said. According to Ion Creanga, election expert of LADOM, the legislation in Moldova is not democratic enough, the political rights of the people are limited, while the possible election contenders do not have an equitable election ground. The League’s experts recommended adjusting the national legislation to the international standards, appropriately and uniformly implementing the Law on Parties and ensuring the non-political involvement of the law enforcement bodies. Coalition 2009 was created on the initiative of the following NGOs: the Association for Participative Democracy, CONTACT Center, LADOM, the Association for Promotion of Legal Clinics, the National Youth Council of Moldova, the Independent Journalism Center and the Independent Press Association. Each of the organizations will publish reports on the monitoring of the pre-electoral period and election campaign for the 2009 parliamentary elections.