On Wednesday 27 June, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and European Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn called on the Moldovan authorities to ensure the mayoral election results of 3 June are respected (see EUROPE 12045).
On 25 June, the Supreme Court of Justice confirmed the invalidation of the mayoral elections – an invalidation that Mogherini and Hahn deem "non-transparent".
"We expect the Moldovan authorities to take appropriate measures to ensure that the results of the Chisinau mayoral elections, as recognised also by national and international observers and reflecting the will of the voters, are respected", they said in a press release. They added that the authorities should also ensure judicial independence in line with their international commitments.
According to Mogherini and Hahn, the invalidation of the elections "deprives the people of Chisinau of their democratically-elected mayor, Mr Andrei Nastase" and "undermines the trust of the Moldovan people in the state institutions. It is to be noted that none of the participants of the electoral process asked for the annulation of the elections", they added.
"An independent judiciary, free from any political pressure, ruling in a transparent manner, as well as credible, inclusive and transparent elections at all levels are pillars of any democracy", Mogherini and Hahn stated, warning that respect for democratic values and the rule of law are also at the heart of the European Union's relations with Moldova. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)