2007 Press Releases

U.S. Embassy Statement on Electoral Campaign and June 3, 2007, Local Elections

Press Release
June 08, 2007

The United States Embassy congratulates the people of Moldova for their participation in the nationwide elections on June 3. The campaign and the voting procedure generally allowed Moldovan citizens to receive sufficient information to make an informed choice.

We remain concerned, however, at widespread and apparently valid complaints regarding intimidation of candidates, unequal access to and coverage in the media for all parties, misuse of administrative resources, reports of improper campaigning near voting stations, government bias in favor of ruling-party candidates, and irregularities in voter lists. Similarly, we remain concerned about elements of the Electoral Code which are ambiguous and therefore difficult to enforce.

We compliment the Central Electoral Commission and most District Electoral Commissions for their successful management of registration of candidates and conduct of the voting. We were also pleased that the registration of so many parties allowed a wide choice to voters. Small-scale meetings, voter canvassing and campaign-literature distribution took place generally without restriction. Most polling stations allowed free voter access to the polls, and carried out successful processing and counting of large numbers of complicated ballots.

During Ambassador Kirby's meetings during the campaign season with DECs and political party representatives in 17 Moldovan raions, and after the Embassy's deployment of observers under the auspices of ODIHR on election day, the U.S. Embassy has directly observed both the positive accomplishments and complications of the campaign and the voting process.

The June 17 run-off elections are an opportunity for Moldova both to reinforce successful practices of the June 3 vote and to address any deficiencies. We look forward to ODIHR's final assessment of the campaign and election day.