More EU states submit declaration in context of forthcoming presidential elections in Moldova

Chisinau, 30 September /MOLDPRES/ - Such states as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden, have signed and submitted to Moldova’s authorities a declaration in the context of the forthcoming presidential elections due on 1 November 2020.

The document reads that ‘’the holding of the elections in a credible, inclusive and transparent way, in accordance with the international standards, is a crucial test for the observance of the values which stay just at the basis of our relation.’’  

"This fact is also essential for Moldova’s further development as a democratic country and for strengthening the confidence of its citizens in the state institutions. We ask Moldova’s authorities to enforce fully and without delay the Venice Commission’s recommendations and the final reports by OSCE/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), inter alia, in order to guarantee the transparency of the financing of the parties and campaigns. All citizens should be able to exercise their right to vote in conditions of safety, despite the coronavirus pandemic,’’ the declaration reads.     

The document also reads that the EU states urge ‘’the political actors and the state’s institutions to contribute to an exemplary electoral process, which Moldova’s citizens deserve, without the flagrant practices from the past, such the buying of votes, abusive use of administrative resources, pressure on local leaders and civil servants.’’  

„The authorities have the duty before their citizens to be proactive, transparent and efficient, including when treating electoral complaints or disputes. We eventually call on the authorities of Moldova to facilitate the free work of the international and domestic electoral observers, for the benefit of well-documented and reliable elections. It is particularly important to ensure the safety of the voters and observers in terms of the coronavirus pandemic through proper attenuation measures,’’ the declaration also reads.