Newsroom
Observers express concerns about runoff local elections in Moldova, despite slight improvement over first round
CHISINAU 9 June 2003
CHISINAU, 9 June 2003 - Although yesterday's second round of local elections in Moldova showed slight improvement over the first round held on 25 May, and voting was conducted mostly in line with international standards, shortcomings observed during the campaign remain a source of concern, concluded the international observation missions deployed by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE).
"Balloting proceeded smoothly, and a decrease in tensions compared to the first round was noted, but the campaign was again marred by media bias, misuse of administrative resources, and aggressive rhetoric, notably in the mayoral runoffs in Chisinau and Comrat", said Ambassador Michael Wygant, the head of the ODIHR observation mission.
"As in the first round, problems were observed regarding the secrecy of the vote", said Christopher Newbury, the head of the CLRAE delegation. "In some places, we were also concerned that police were present inside polling stations as a matter of routine and not to deal with specific problems."
The state media, despite some improvement over the first round, again showed a clear bias in favour of state authorities and the ruling party. In the key runoff election for the mayor of the capital Chisinau, state television continued its negative campaign against the incumbent, although he was finally permitted to make a rebuttal. At the same time, Chisinau's municipal television again was clearly biased in support of the incumbent's re-election bid.
Observers expressed particular concern about freedom of the media. Specifically, questions were raised concerning the timing of, and reasons for, the dismissal of the head of the News Department of Moldova's state-owned news agency.
The international observers noted that complaints and appeals arising from the first round were adjudicated on a timely basis and that, in general, the election administration performed its duties in a professional manner.
"Balloting proceeded smoothly, and a decrease in tensions compared to the first round was noted, but the campaign was again marred by media bias, misuse of administrative resources, and aggressive rhetoric, notably in the mayoral runoffs in Chisinau and Comrat", said Ambassador Michael Wygant, the head of the ODIHR observation mission.
"As in the first round, problems were observed regarding the secrecy of the vote", said Christopher Newbury, the head of the CLRAE delegation. "In some places, we were also concerned that police were present inside polling stations as a matter of routine and not to deal with specific problems."
The state media, despite some improvement over the first round, again showed a clear bias in favour of state authorities and the ruling party. In the key runoff election for the mayor of the capital Chisinau, state television continued its negative campaign against the incumbent, although he was finally permitted to make a rebuttal. At the same time, Chisinau's municipal television again was clearly biased in support of the incumbent's re-election bid.
Observers expressed particular concern about freedom of the media. Specifically, questions were raised concerning the timing of, and reasons for, the dismissal of the head of the News Department of Moldova's state-owned news agency.
The international observers noted that complaints and appeals arising from the first round were adjudicated on a timely basis and that, in general, the election administration performed its duties in a professional manner.