The United States has urged Moldovan officials to ensure a free and fair election process for the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections. The U.S. State Department said in a statement on January 16 that authorities in Moldova should “take all necessary measures” in the run-up to the February 24 elections and guarantee transparent results that reflect “the will of Moldovan voters.” “Local and national authorities should ensure that candidates are able to register to participate in the elections and carry out their campaigns without fear of harassment or physical harm,” it added.
It also encouraged Moldova to implement recommendations for improved elections that were made by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) but not yet instituted.
The ODIHR said on January 16 that its observers had begun to monitor the election process in Moldova.
Matyas Eorsi, the ODIHR Moldova mission head, said at a press conference in the capital, Chisinau, that his main concern was “not the result but a proper election process” that complies with democratic standards.
Full Article: Ahead Of Election, U.S. Calls On Moldova To Ensure Free, Fair Process.