CALC Statement on Intimidation of Promo-LEX Election Observer

CALC Statement on electoral observers protection Aug 2025 Declaratia CALC protectia observatorilor Aug 2025

CALC considers that attacks and attempts to intimidate election observers are unacceptable in a state governed by the rule of law and represent a direct threat to democratic standards.

The Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (CALC), composed of non-governmental organizations with expertise in the electoral field, expresses its deep concern and firmly condemns the incident that occurred on August 24, 2025, during a public event in Orhei, where a long-term observer of the Promo-LEX Election Observation Mission – a CALC member organization – was subjected to verbal attacks, discreditation, and direct intimidation by the leader of the “Șansa” Party, Alexei Lungu.

Such actions represent a serious violation of the fundamental principles governing democratic processes, contravene the provisions of the electoral legislation in force, and undermine the framework of electoral integrity that the Republic of Moldova has committed to uphold, including through international instruments and commitments assumed within the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and the European Union.

We recall that election observers constitute a cornerstone of transparency and credibility in electoral processes. They are recognized internationally as human rights defenders and benefit from appropriate protection in the exercise of their mandate.
According to the Regulation of the Central Electoral Commission on the status of observers, they enjoy clear rights and guarantees for the fulfilment of their duties, including free access to electoral events, protection against intimidation, and the obligation of authorities and electoral competitors to ensure them a safe and respectful environment.

CALC considers that attacks and attempts to intimidate election observers are unacceptable in a state governed by the rule of law and represent a direct threat to democratic standards.

In this regard:
• We publicly condemn the aggressive and intimidating behaviour of the leader of the “Șansa” Party, which represents a flagrant attempt to obstruct electoral observation activities.
• We call on the competent authorities to promptly and impartially investigate the incident and to apply the legal sanctions provided by the Electoral Code and the legislation in force.
• We warn electoral competitors that any form of intimidation, discreditation, or obstruction of observers is incompatible with the principles of free and fair elections and entails legal and reputational consequences.
• We request the Central Electoral Commission to strengthen the provisions of the Code of Conduct on the conduct and coverage of the electoral campaign by including explicit rules regarding the protection of observers and the prompt sanctioning of violations.
• We reaffirm CALC’s commitment to inform international election observation missions, development partners, and accredited international organizations about this incident and any similar cases, in the spirit of transparency and international cooperation.

CALC remains firmly committed to defending the principles enshrined in the Charter of Free and Fair Elections, in international standards, and in national legislation, and will continue to denounce any action that endangers the conduct of free, fair, and democratic elections in the Republic of Moldova.