Promo-LEX raises concerns over unexpected voter increase
The number of voters has increased by nearly 15,000 compared to the previous presidential election in 2020.
This inexplicable rise raises concerns about the quality of the electoral lists and the data within the State Voter Registry, according to the Promo-LEX Association. In its first monitoring report on the upcoming fall elections and referendum, published today, the Association also highlights several violations occurring before the official start of the electoral campaign, including the abusive use of administrative resources and attempts to bribe voters.
The number of registered voters, over 3.3 million, matches that of the 2023 local election but shows an increase of nearly 15,000 compared to the 2020 presidential election. This somewhat surprising trend warrants a thorough explanation from the Central Electoral Commission and the Public Services Agency, stated Promo-LEX Program Director Nicolae Panfil.
"Given the low birth rate and increasing migration, this is concerning because it raises questions about the integrity of the electoral lists and the data in the State Voter Registry," said Nicolae Panfil.
The number of diaspora voters who registered in advance has declined compared to previous years, despite increased activism among Moldovans residing in the Russian Federation. The Central Electoral Commission has already announced plans to open 278 polling stations abroad, almost double the number established for the 2021 parliamentary election. However, the final decision may be influenced by the results of the advance registration, which concludes on September 6, noted Nicolae Panfil.
"The number of polling stations to be created and their distribution will be based on a single criterion—more precisely, the trend or pattern observed in voter participation. This will be taken into account, and subsequently, to differentiate certain stations, possibly to better understand the specific conditions in one country or another, the advance registration of citizens will likely also be considered, although, as we note, it is progressing more slowly than in other elections," clarified Nicolae Panfil.
The first monitoring report on the fall elections and referendum, prepared by Promo-LEX during the period from May 16 to August 20, also identifies a number of irregularities that have become somewhat common in the lead-up to the electoral campaign. The abusive use of administrative resources, attempts to bribe voters, and the conduct of electoral activities before the official start of the campaign are among the main irregularities observed by monitors.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
