Physical Attacks, Cases of Pressure, Intimidation. What else did the PACE Delegation See in the Pre-Election Moldova?

A delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) visited Moldova and studied the preparing of the republic for elections. The delegates confirmed that the candidates are in general able to campaign freely, but there are a number of long-standing concerns which still remain unaddressed. The PACE noted that on the eve of the elections there are cases of intimidation and violence against candidates; cases of hate speech. PACE delegation visited Moldova from January 28 to 31. In its press release it is reported about a number of long-standing concerns which still remain unaddressed: cases of intimidation and violence against candidates; cases of hate speech, including against women candidates. PACE also reports about the cases of misuse of administrative resources; allegations of vote buying; cases of involvement of public employees in the signature collection procedure; cases of distribution of electoral gifts during election campaign events involving charitable foundations associated with certain political parties.   For some interlocutors, the use of video-cameras in polling stations can be perceived as a means of pressurizing voters. The delegation noted that the technical aspects of the elections are well managed by the Central Election Commission, even if the new electoral system and the referenda still require further clarification. PACE also noted that due to the high number of Moldovan citizens residing abroad, the criteria for the establishment of single-member constituencies was a significant issue and increasing the number of voting papers by one district will not solve the problem. The Audiovisual Coordinating Council and the Public Broadcaster informed the delegation that equal access of parties and candidates is ensured according to the legislation. Nevertheless, the delegation was informed about increasingly frequent cases of pressure, threats and verbal and physical attacks on independent journalists. The PACE press-release also says that most of the media are affiliated with the main political parties and the advertising media is under their control. The delegation had meetings with the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Parliament, the leaders or the representatives of the parliamentary and extra-parliamentary political parties participating in the elections, the Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, the Chairperson of the Audiovisual Co-ordinating Council, the Chairperson of the National Integrity Agency, representatives of civil society and the media, and representatives of the international community. PACE notes that the Moldovan authorities promised to take all measures to ensure equal conditions for all election participants. The Parliamentary Assembly will send a 32-member delegation to observe the Parliamentary elections on 24 February 2019. Source: Newsmaker