On Wednesday 21 October, the European Parliament said that the presidential elections in Moldova on 1 November will be a test for democracy.
In the report by Dragoș Tudorache (Renew Europe, Romania) on the implementation of the Association Agreement with Moldova, adopted by 554 votes in favour, 70 against and 65 abstentions, MEPs call on the authorities to ensure “free and fair” elections and to further improve electoral legislation, in a context of “acute political instability”.
In the debate preceding the vote, on Monday 19 October, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, also said that the election would be “a test for democracy and the Rule of law in the country”, but also “a crucial juncture in our partnership”. “In the current Covid-19 context, it is even more important to ensure that all Moldovans are given a free and fair opportunity to vote, following a transparent, inclusive and credible election process, which we will be closely monitoring”, he warned.
Mr Tudorache’s report, while underlining the sustained commitment of the authorities and society to the country’s European path, expresses concern that political instability and frequent changes of government could affect the implementation of the provisions of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area and slow down the pace of reforms.
In particular, the European Parliament is concerned about the overall slow pace of reform of the Rule of law and democratic institutions. According to MEPs, efforts should be made regarding the independence of state institutions, including the Constitutional Court, the fight against oligarchic influence, widespread corruption and disinformation, the promotion of justice, the strengthening of the Rule of law and improving freedom of the media and the living conditions of citizens.
The European Parliament also underlined Moldova’s “constructive contribution” to cooperation in the framework of the Eastern Partnership.
See the report: https://bit.ly/2HsLgJh (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)