Promo-LEX association of Moldova identifies 27 incidents at elections in Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia

The Promo-LEX Association has identified 27 incidents during the elections in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia. The reported irregularities include violations of ballot secrecy, the presence of unauthorized persons near polling stations, electoral agitation, a lack of accessibility for people with mobility difficulties and shortcomings in the organization of polling stations. The head of the observation mission, Nicolae Panfil, made statements to this effect.

During a press briefing, the head of the Promo-LEX Association noted that, out of the 67 polling stations monitored at opening, 10 had started operating slightly earlier or after 7:00. In three other cases, video cameras did not record the procedures for preparing the polling stations for opening.

“In at least nine polling stations, the solemnity of the opening was not ensured by playing the national anthem and displaying the state flag. Likewise, in 24 cases, the polling station was not heated. Observers also reported that 35 polling stations were not accessible to people with mobility difficulties. Today morning, voter crowding was recorded at nine polling stations,” he said.

Nicolae Panfil reported, in two cases, the presence of advertising materials, posters and electoral billboards in the area of the polling station.

“The responsibility for removing advertising materials lies with the Local Public Administration. This measure is meant to protect voters from external influences when casting their ballots. Electoral agitation or negative campaigning was also reported in two cases within a 100-meter radius or inside the polling station, aimed at influencing citizens’ choices. On election day, any form of electoral agitation or the promotion of negative information is strictly prohibited, so as not to influence voters’ choices,” he specified.

The head of the observation mission reported that, in 11 cases, the unjustified presence of unauthorized persons inside the polling station or within a 100-meter radius had been established.

“This prohibition is meant to ensure the fairness and transparency of the electoral process, without any influence. In six other cases, violations of ballot secrecy were reported. They included photographing ballots, displaying a ballot showing the voter’s choice and improperly positioning ballots in a way that allowed the voter’s choice to be seen. People are not allowed to photograph a completed ballot or display it, and ballots must be placed in the ballot box in a way that keeps the voting options hidden,” Nicolae Panfil noted.

Observers also identified video cameras at nine polling stations that belong to the institutions hosting the polling stations and were not operational on election day. The mission points out that these cameras did not affect the organization or conduct of the elections.

“Likewise, in one case, unjustified group voting was noticed. Voting must be secret and freely expressed, while group voting violates these principles and may represent a means of controlling the vote or exerting undue influence on the voter. In two other situations, cases of intimidation or acts of violence involving voters, members of the Electoral Office of the Polling Station (BESV), observers, media representatives or other persons were identified. Intimidation can take various forms, from verbal threats to physical violence and can have a significant impact on participants in the electoral process,” Nicolae Panfil added.

In one case, the mission reported shortcomings in the operation of the SIAS (State Automated Information System) Elections system, reflected in technical errors and problems related to voters’ registration.

“If the SIAS Elections system becomes nonfunctional, blockages may occur in the process of registering voters who come to cast their ballots. One of the system’s roles is also to prevent multiple voting. At the same time, in one case, it was established that ballots not distributed to BESV members were not stored in a safe or a cabinet inside the polling station. We emphasize that undistributed ballots must be stored in accordance with legal regulations, in order to ensure the integrity and security of the electoral process,” the head of the Promo-LEX Association concluded.

For election day, the Promo-LEX Association deployed one short-term observer to each of 67 polling stations. In addition to the stationary observers, the mission dispatched five mobile teams, each made up of two observers, to monitor the electoral process at the polling stations.

Today, elections are being held in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia for the positions of members of the People’s Assembly and Governor (bashkan) of the region. A total of 132 candidates are registered for the 35 seats in the People’s Assembly, while eight people are running for governor.