The observers of Promo-LEX reported an increasing number of cases that can qualify as use of administrative resources and a 2.6 times increase in cases involving hate speech and incitement to discrimination. There has been an upsurge in electoral events, in cases where the restrictions imposed by the Extraordinary Territorial Commissions of Public Health were not observed, as well as first instances where religious denominations were involved in the election campaign of a candidate, says the monitoring report for September 30 – October 13 produced by the Observation Mission of the Promo-LEX Association, IPN reports.

The Observation Mission draws attention to the uncertainties around the lawfulness of a political party supporting an independent candidate, including from the point of view of poor reporting of campaign financing, and around the lawfulness of involving in election campaigns political parties that do not participate in elections officially. Members and supporters of PSRM – a party that did not nominate a candidate – are taking part in the election campaign. The mechanism in place for suspending from office the President of the Republic of Moldova in relation to their participation in elections is not regulated sufficiently.

At the beginning of the election campaign, Promo-LEX OM established that the number of identified electoral events (595) increased almost five times compared to the previous reporting period. Of these, 39% were carried out by Igor Dodon (IC), 22 % – by Renato Usatyi, 19% – by Maia Sandu (PAS), according to observers.

During the monitored period, Promo-LEX OM reported at least 18 cases that can be qualified as use of administrative resources: 14 – Igor Dodon (IC), Tudor Deliu (PLDM), Renato Usatyi (PN), Andrei Nastase (PPPDA) and Violeta Ivanov (PPS)  – once case each.

The number of cases that can qualify as use of the image of foreign officials and images that represent government institutions/symbols has increased, with at least 7 such cases having been reported. Of these, Maia Sandu (PAS), Andrei Nastase (PPPDA) and Dorin Chirtoaca (BE Unirea) were concerned in two cases each, and in one case – Tudor Deliu (PLDM).

The surge in hate speech by candidates and politicians, opinion leaders, journalists and citizens is regretful. At least 63 new cases were identified in the reference period alone – by 39 more than in the previous monitoring period.

The Promo-LEX Association puts emphasis on the fact that this type of discourse affects not only candidates, but also people who are part of different social groups.