Voting violations reported in parliamentary elections: Promo-LEX flags 73 incidents
Within two hours of polling stations opening, Promo-LEX observers reported 73 incidents, 40 confirmed, during the electoral process.
The observers reported violations of the secrecy of the vote, including photographing or filming ballot papers, publicly displaying a completed ballot, or poorly placed voting booths that allowed voters' choices to be viewed. They also noted a lack of adequate conditions for voters requiring assistance. Ten cases were also noted of unauthorized people being present inside or immediately near the polling stations.
In addition, one case was documented of representatives of an electoral challenger filming the voting process.
Other incidents concerned voting organisation. In six cases, unused ballot papers were not stored in a safe or cabinet, a legal requirement. Separately, one case of deficiency was noted in the functioning of the Automated State Information System 'Elections' (ASIS).
The observers also reported two cases of voting with non-compliant identification documents. "Voters must present valid identification documents to vote. An exception is permitted for those voting outside the country (diaspora voters), who may use an expired passport," Promo-LEX representatives stated.
Additionally, observers reported two cases of voter coercion through the organised transport of voters to two polling stations in the Căuşeni region. According to observers, at least 70 people simultaneously arrived at the polls at 07:00, having been transported by 18 cars with Transnistrian license plates. The voters gathered near the polling station, communicated, and appeared to know each other. They then entered the polling station, cast their votes, and left in an equally organised manner.
Promo-LEX reminds voters that they can report deviations in the voting process by calling the Emergency Service 112. The group has also provided citizens with several rapid communication channels to report electoral irregularities.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
