ODIHR experts discuss electoral recommendations in Moldova

Election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final report and recommendations of the election observation mission to the 2021 early parliamentary elections in Moldova during a visit to Chisinau from 14 to 17 February 2022.

The report’s findings and recommendations were presented to representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, the Central Election Commission (CEC), the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Justice and the Chisinau Court of Appeal, the committee in the Parliament responsible for legal review, the Audio-Visual Council, the national public broadcaster, as well as civil society organizations and the resident international donor community.

In these meetings, ODIHR reiterated its conclusions that the elections were well administered and competitive, but key CEC decisions brought its impartiality into question. The experts noted that the electoral legal framework still requires comprehensive review and urged the authorities and other stakeholders to take steps to implement the recommended reforms well in advance of the next elections in an inclusive, consultative and transparent process.

“The Moldovan authorities showed a firm commitment to continuing the electoral reform process,” said Tamás Meszerics, Head of ODIHR’s Election Observation Mission to the 2021 early parliamentary elections. “The opportunity now exists for enhancing the electoral legislation and practice in Moldova to be further in line with international standards and commitments. We look forward to seeing the next developments in following up on our recommendations.”

Discussions focused on the report’s recommendations related to ensuring integrity of the electoral process, strengthening campaign finance regulations, including oversight and sanctioning mechanisms, promoting balanced and impartial media coverage, substantive handling of electoral complaints and appeals, and strengthening judicial independence and overall trust in the judiciary.

The authorities and other interlocutors underlined the benefit of ODIHR’s potential engagement in providing legal and technical expertise to assist in implementing electoral recommendations. All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to following up on ODIHR's election assessments and recommendations.