OSCE Mission Head concerned about actions taken against Moldovan opposition parties

The Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Ambassador Louis O’Neill, called on Moldovan authorities to ensure equal conditions for the activities of political parties before the local elections expected to be held in June. “I am deeply concerned that the impediments opposition parties seem to face may have serious implications for their ability to engage in political activities, including preparations for this year local elections,” said Ambassador O’Neill after a meeting with the Chairpersons of six opposition parties. “I call on the Moldovan authorities to refrain from any measures which might impede the preparations of political parties for the upcoming local elections. They must ensure that all political forces will enjoy a level playing field during this year’s electoral campaign,” added Ambassador O’Neill. During Monday’s meeting, the Chairs of Our Moldova Alliance, the Social Liberal Party, the Party of Social Democracy, the Social Democratic Party and the Republican People’s Party told the Head of Mission that their parties receive frequent inspections from tax and administrative authorities, and that individuals who have been identified by them as potential candidates have been threatened and discouraged from running on their lists. The Chairperson-elect of the Social Democratic Party, Eduard Musuc, informed the Ambassador of the continued refusal by the Justice Ministry to register him officially as party Chair while the Chair of the European Action Movement, Anatol Petrencu, said that the Ministry continues to refuse to register the movement even after a court ruled in favour of this new political force.