NDI Mission Congratulates Moldovans on their Commitment to Democratic Principles Through Peaceful and Orderly Elections

CHISINAU- The National Democratic Institute's (NDI) technical assessment mission to the November 3 presidential runoff congratulates the Moldovan people on their commitment to democratic principles demonstrated by a peaceful and orderly electoral process.

The mission, which observed preparations in selected areas and met with local stakeholders, builds on findings and recommendations from NDI's Pre-Election Assessment Mission (PEAM) and International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) for the first round presidential elections and constitutional referendum. Despite the generally calm and orderly processes on election day, the mission reiterates the conclusion by NDI's IEOM that "the greatest threat to the integrity of these elections has been a broad and concerted campaign of malign foreign influence from Russia collaborating with some Moldovan actors through information manipulation, vote buying, and other illicit financing of political activity."

In meetings with local stakeholders, the assessment mission heard about a reported vote-buying scheme involving tens of thousands of voters and originating from Moldovan and Russian actors, which would pose a significant threat to electoral integrity. Compared to the first round, the mission noted increased polarization among the electorate and a rise in personalized attacks on candidates, including attacks based on their gender and ethnicity.

On election day, delegation members observed the setup of polling stations, voting and counting procedures, which generally followed official protocols and were conducted in a calm and organized manner.

Building on the IEOM's findings, the mission additionally recommends that Moldova undertakes an inclusive, systematic review of the electoral framework; pursues additional steps to deter and prevent vote-buying in future elections; and conducts an awareness-raising campaign on civic responsibility. The mission urges political actors, contestants, media and voters to continue their efforts to curb derogatory or inciteful speech. The mission appeals to international partners for renewed efforts to sustain independent media.

The delegation, which was limited in scope, was led by Pekka Haavisto, Member of the Finnish Parliament and recent Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, and Christopher Fomunyoh, Senior Associate for Africa and Special Advisor to the President at NDI. It comprised eight members from five countries, including NDI Board member Dean Fealk. Conclusions from NDI's PEAM, IEOM for Moldova's October 20 elections and the technical assessment mission will be issued in a comprehensive final report with detailed findings and recommendations on the electoral process.

The delegation is grateful for the warm welcome and cooperation it received from all Moldovans with whom it interacted. The delegation's work was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

###

NDI is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization that works in partnership around the world to strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions, processes, norms and values to secure a better quality of life for all. NDI envisions a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all.

Moldova 2024 Second Round Presidential Elections Technical Assessment Report