IRI Observes Second Round of 2024 Moldovan Preside...

Chişinău, Moldova - The International Republican Institute's (IRI) International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) today released its preliminary findings on Moldova's November 3, 2024, presidential runoff election.

The international delegation, co-led by Janis Bordans, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice of Latvia, and Klaudia Jachira, current member of Sejm (lower chamber of the Polish Parliament), deployed short-term observer (STO) teams across the majority of Moldova's regions. These teams were supported by a core group of thematic experts who have been analyzing the pre-election, election day, and runoff environments for nearly two months.

Bordans stated, "Moldovan citizens exercised their democratic right to vote and turned out in large numbers, in an election that was well organized by election officials at all levels."

Jachira added, "The Moldovan government should be applauded for taking decisive measures to reduce the effects of the illegal vote-buying network that was so pervasive in the first round. Moldovans were able to choose their president despite foreign efforts to interfere in the process."

"Clearly, the Moldovan government must continue to undertake efforts to resist foreign influence in its electoral processes, as it prepares for critical parliamentary elections in 2025." IRI Eurasia Senior Director Steve Nix concluded.

Key Findings:

Russian Interference: Foreign interference, including vote-buying, information influence operations, and cyberattacks were less effective, despite increased efforts, than in the first round.

Increased Voter Turnout: Nearly 1.7 million Moldovans voted, marking a significant increase from the first round. Polling stations were well-staffed and organized.

Transparency and Oversight: Strong participation from domestic and international observers ensured a high level of transparency at many polling stations.

CEC's Strong Performance: The CEC successfully administered polling stations abroad, implemented postal voting, and maintained stations for Moldovan citizens that reside in the Transnistrian region, despite security concerns.

IRI will continue to monitor the post-election process and issue a final, comprehensive report of the 2024 electoral process which will include further analysis and recommendations for future elections. IRI remains committed to supporting Moldova's democratic development and its aspirations for closer European integration.

About the Mission:

IRI has led 250 international election observation missions worldwide and is recognized for its impartiality and professionalism. The organization has been actively working in Moldova for more than 20 years, contributing to the strengthening of democratic institutions and civil society. The IRI 18-person expert delegation for the 2024 presidential runoff election is observing all aspects of the electoral process across Moldova.

The Moldova mission adheres to the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct, as adopted by the United Nations in 2005. This mission is made possible with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS).