As Moldova approaches its presidential election and referendum on constitutional amendments scheduled for 20th October 2024, concerns have been raised regarding the exclusion of international observers from the electoral process.
The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Moldova has rejected multiple requests for accreditation from various international organisations, sparking fears about the transparency and integrity of these critical events, which are directly tied to Moldova’s aspirations for European Union membership.
Over 20 international and European non-governmental organisations (NGOs), many with extensive experience in election monitoring, submitted formal applications to the CEC for accreditation as observers. Their aim was to oversee polling stations both within Moldova and at locations abroad where Moldovan citizens will vote.
However, a significant number of these organisations were met with a standardised response from the CEC, rejecting their requests based on procedural regulations.
The CEC’s rejection letters, sent to organisations such as the World Council for Public Diplomacy and Community Dialogue, referenced Article 88(4) and point 7 of the Regulation on the status of observers. These provisions stipulate that accreditation can only be granted to entities that have received an official invitation from the Commission.
The CEC stated that invitations had already been extended to accredited embassies and organisations with which Moldova has formal agreements or collaboration history. This standard response left many organisations, including those specialising in electoral transparency, without accreditation, raising questions about the inclusivity of the observer selection process.
Prominent Organisations Denied Accreditation
The standardised rejection was issued to several prominent international organisations, including:
- Académie de Géopolitique de Paris (France)
- Asociacion Principios (Spain)
- The International Centre for Relations & Diplomacy (Great Britain and EU)
- Fundacion Fortius Espana (Spain)
- Instituto Trezeno (Portugal)
- History Heritage Humanity (France)
These organisations, many of which have a track record of promoting transparency and accountability in elections, expressed confusion and concern over their exclusion. The uniform nature of the responses, with no specific reasons provided beyond the cited regulations, has led to speculation that the process may lack the transparency and fairness necessary for such an important electoral event.
Implications for Moldova’s EU Integration
The exclusion of experienced international observers comes at a time when Moldova’s political trajectory is under intense scrutiny, particularly in the context of its efforts to align with the European Union. The upcoming referendum on constitutional amendments is a critical step toward EU integration, and the transparency of the electoral process is a key factor in Moldova’s ability to meet European democratic standards.
The European Union has long emphasised the importance of free and fair elections as a pillar of democracy, particularly in countries seeking to join the bloc. International election observers play an essential role in ensuring that elections are conducted transparently, providing impartial assessments of the voting process, vote counting, and overall election management.
By excluding these observers, Moldova risks undermining the credibility of both the presidential election and the referendum.
Calls for Transparency and Reconsideration
Several of the NGOs that were denied accreditation have voiced concerns about the CEC’s decision and called for a reconsideration.
Andy Vermaut, a representative of the World Council for Public Diplomacy and Community Dialogue, highlighted the inconsistency between Moldova’s stated commitment to democratic reforms and the rejection of international observers.
In a letter to the CEC, Vermaut underscored that Moldova is a signatory to international agreements, such as the OSCE Copenhagen Document of 1990, which emphasise the importance of inviting international observers to ensure transparent and democratic elections.
Vermaut’s letter also pointed out that his organisation had been encouraged to apply for accreditation and that the rejection was therefore both unexpected and concerning. He stressed the importance of impartial international oversight in enhancing the credibility of the electoral process, a sentiment echoed by other NGOs and civil society organisations.
The standardised responses provided by the CEC have been criticised for their lack of detail, failing to clarify why certain organisations, despite their credentials, were excluded from the process. This lack of transparency has led to growing concerns about whether the accreditation process itself is being conducted fairly and in line with international best practices.
Broader Implications for Moldova’s Democratic Process
The exclusion of international observers has implications not only for Moldova’s European ambitions but also for its internal political stability. Moldova has historically been at a crossroads between Eastern and Western political influences, and the upcoming elections represent a crucial moment in its efforts to establish a firm democratic foundation. A transparent and fair electoral process is essential for maintaining public confidence in the results and for demonstrating Moldova’s commitment to democratic governance.
Without the presence of experienced international observers, the risk of domestic and international criticism of the electoral process increases. A lack of transparency could lead to questions about the legitimacy of the election outcomes, potentially fuelling domestic unrest and casting doubt on Moldova’s ability to conduct free and fair elections.
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