The OSCE Secretariat is convinced that the Moldovan authorities will again resort to violations in the second round of the presidential elections to ensure victory May Sandu.
As Day.Az reports, this is stated in a message received by TASS from the press bureau of the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) of the Russian Federation.
They noted that during the first round of voting, the Moldovan authorities everywhere used administrative resources for the “correct counting of votes.” “The leadership of the OSCE Secretariat is convinced that the Moldovan authorities will take similar measures during the second round of presidential elections on November 3. Thus, they aim to try to ensure the victory of the current President Maia Sandu,” the SVR indicated.
The SVR informed that “the leadership of the OSCE secretariat informally recognizes an unprecedented level of violations by the authorities during the first round of the presidential elections in Moldova and the referendum on the issue of European integration of the country that took place on October 20 this year.” This is evidenced by information coming to Vienna from numerous foreign observers, including those representing OSCE structures, the press bureau added.
“Among the most egregious violations in the OSCE secretariat is the widespread use of administrative resources by the authorities. In particular, Chisinau, under the threat of a sharp reduction in funding, demanded that local administrations provide the results of the will of citizens that the central authorities need. The Central Election Commission gave the district election commissions the command to ensure the “correct” counting of votes, including by making adjustments to the protocols of precinct commissions. At polling stations for the Moldovan diaspora in European countries, there was no independent control over the voting process and there was no reliable data on the number of voters,” the press bureau said.
According to the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, “the OSCE headquarters admits that neither after the first nor after the second round of voting, the organization’s structures do not intend to make public the facts of numerous violations.” “Leading Western countries, primarily the United States, which has a decisive influence on the activities of the OSCE, insist on this. This is due to the fact that Washington and its allies are interested in Sandu’s re-election for a second term and Chisinau’s continuation of the course of accelerated rapprochement with the EU and NATO. As they say “, the end justifies the means,” summed up the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Elections Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have an insightful discussion lined up regarding the recent developments in Moldova’s political landscape, particularly focusing on the upcoming presidential elections. Joining us is Dr. Elena Petrescu, a seasoned expert on Eastern European politics and election integrity. Welcome, Dr. Petrescu!
Dr. Petrescu: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: The OSCE has raised concerns about potential electoral violations in Moldova. Can you shed some light on what specific violations they are anticipating during the second round of elections?
Dr. Petrescu: Certainly. The OSCE has noted a worrying trend where the Moldovan authorities have utilized administrative resources, effectively ensuring that votes were counted in a way that favored incumbent President Maia Sandu during the first round. They are now predicting similar tactics might be employed again in the upcoming second round on November 3rd.
Editor: That’s quite alarming. What types of administrative resources are typically used to manipulate election outcomes?
Dr. Petrescu: These can include coercive measures, such as pressure on public employees to vote for a particular candidate, unequal access to campaign resources, and even interference with the counting process itself. In countries with less robust democratic institutions, these practices can create environments where the integrity of the electoral process is severely compromised.
Editor: It seems like there’s a pattern here. The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has also expressed concerns over the integrity of the elections. How does this external perspective impact Moldova’s political situation?
Dr. Petrescu: The involvement of external actors like the SVR is significant. It not only reflects international concern regarding Moldova’s democratic processes but also heightens the scrutiny on the elections. This can lead to increased internal and external pressure on the Moldovan government to adhere to democratic norms. However, it may also escalate tensions within the country, as political factions might leverage this external input to further their agendas.
Editor: Speaking of agendas, the OSCE mentioned complaints of unprecedented violations linked to the referendum about European integration. What does this signal for Moldova’s future?
Dr. Petrescu: It’s indicative of a tumultuous political environment. The push for European integration is a contentious issue in Moldova, with strong opposition from pro-Russian factions. The allegations of violations during the referendum suggest not only a struggle over governance but also over national identity and foreign policy direction. The integrity of the election becomes crucial; if perceived as illegitimate, it may derail efforts toward European alignment and destabilize the political landscape even further.
Editor: With the elections approaching, what measures could the international community take to support fair elections in Moldova?
Dr. Petrescu: International observers play a vital role. Their presence can deter violations and ensure accountability. Additionally, diplomatic pressure from organizations like the EU can encourage Moldova to adhere to democratic norms. Furthermore, civil society organizations within Moldova are essential for fostering transparency and educating the public on electoral rights.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrescu, for such a thought-provoking conversation. It’s clear that the situation in Moldova requires close attention as the elections draw near. We appreciate your insights and expertise on this pressing issue.
Dr. Petrescu: Thank you for having me! It’s always essential to discuss the importance of free and fair elections in shaping a country’s future.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to Time.news. Stay informed and engaged as we continue to cover Moldova’s elections and their implications for the region.