Moldova early parliamentary elections 2021: OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission final report

The 2021 early parliamentary elections in Moldova were well administered, competitive, and fundamental freedoms were largely respected. While lower-level commissions enjoyed trust, key decisions by the Central Election Commission brought its impartiality into question. Candidates had ample opportunities to campaign and voters were provided a wide range of alternatives. The legal framework does not adequately regulate electoral dispute resolution, and the handling of electoral complaints further highlighted the importance of strengthening judicial independence.

These are some of the main conclusions from the final report on Moldova`s 11 July elections, published today by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

The report provides 23 recommendations to improve the conduct of elections and bring them fully in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards.

Key recommendations include:

• enhancing the electoral legal framework and addressing remaining shortcomings to bring legislation further in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards;
• promptly and thoroughly investigating credible allegations of vote buying and illegal inducements of voters, and applying appropriate sanctions;
• equipping the campaign finance oversight body with adequate authority, resources and technical expertise to exercise its functions effectively;
• conducting quantitative and qualitative media monitoring between elections;
• putting in place guarantees to ensure that courts enjoy freedom from political pressures and remain fully impartial in the handling of election-related cases.

The ODIHR Election Observation Mission for these elections in Moldova began its work on 2 June 2021 and remained in the country until 21 July. All 57 countries across the OSCE region have formally committed to follow-up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.