OSCE/ODIHR to observe parliamentary elections in Moldova

CHISINAU, 26 February 2009 - The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today formally opened its election observation mission deployed to monitor the 5 April parliamentary elections in Moldova.

The deployment follows an invitation from the Central Election Commission of Moldova.

The observer mission, headed by Nikolai Vulchanov of Bulgaria, consists of 13 international staff based in Chisinau. Twenty-four long-term observers will be deployed throughout the country in early March.

The mission will assess the elections for their compliance with principles for democratic electoral processes, including commitments agreed to by all OSCE participating States, as well as national legislation.

Observers will closely monitor campaign activities, the work of the election administration and relevant governmental bodies, election-related legislation and its implementation, the media environment and the resolution of election-related disputes.

ODIHR has requested 200 short-term observers from the OSCE participating States to be deployed shortly before election day throughout the country to monitor the opening of polling stations, the voting, the counting of ballots and the tabulation of results.

More information on the mission, including a needs assessment report, can be found on the OSCE website at //www.osce.org/odihr-elections/item_12_36406.html

The OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission and the OSCE Mission to Moldova operate separately under their specific mandates.