FOREIGN MINISTER DISCUSSED WITH MOLDOVAN DIPLOMATS ABROAD ISSUES OF ORGANIZING THE SECOND ROUND OF ELECTIONS

On the eve, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (MFAEI) Oleg Tulea discussed in the videoconference with the heads of the republic's diplomatic missions abroad the organization of the second round of voting for the presidential elections.

According to the ministry’s Press Service, Tulea stated that “in the first round of elections, the MFAEI systematically and promptly informed the Central Election Commission (CEC) about the preparations for the elections and the voting process abroad, about the gathering of citizens around the polling stations.”

Based on the results of the first round of elections, the embassies and consulates assessed additional measures that can be taken on the basis of legal provisions for the best and safest organization of voting abroad.

During the videoconference, it was discussed that “the gathering of citizens near polling stations has prompted complaints from public order control and local authorities in several countries. This indicates non-compliance with the requirements introduced in the epidemiological context.”

“The ministry reiterates its call on members of the diaspora to strictly observe the sanitary standards required by foreign authorities, which allow Moldovan citizens to exercise their suffrage, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the minister stressed.

At 139 polling stations, MFAEI delegated 112 employees of diplomatic service institutions, as well as employees of missions, embassies and consulates abroad, and from the ministry's staff as chairmen of precinct electoral bureaus abroad. Another 27 chairmen of electoral bureaus have been appointed by the CEC, the body that coordinates and leads the electoral process.

“In this regard, we highly appreciate the contribution of members of precinct electoral bureaus, as well as volunteers who, despite the health risks, worked at the polling stations,” Tulea said.

The minister asked diplomats to “submit recommendations aimed at eliminating the identified deficiencies.”

The ministry will inform the CEC of the need to “take measures to improve voting conditions at polling stations where a large flow of people was registered.”