2023 Moldovan local elections: Difference between revisions
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{{Politics of Moldova}} |
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| ⚫ | Local elections were held in [[Moldova]] on 5 November 2023, with a [[Two-round system|runoff round]] for mayors held two weeks later after the first round on 19 November 2023.<ref>{{cite web|title=The date of the local elections in 2023 was set|url=https://radiomoldova.md/p/2228|access-date=2023-03-28|website=radiomoldova.md|language=en}}</ref> The main electoral contenders will be, on the one hand, the [[Pro-Europeanism|pro-European]], [[Atlanticism|atlanticist]], [[Centre-right politics|centre-right]], and [[Liberalism|liberal]] [[Party of Action and Solidarity]] (PAS), currently in [[Government of Moldova|government]] (namely since 2021 onwards), and, on the other hand, the [[Left-wing politics|left-wing]] and [[Russophilia|pro-Russian]] [[Bloc of Communists and Socialists]] (BECS), currently in opposition and comprising the [[Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova]] (PCRM) as well as the [[Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova]] (PSRM), the latter being the largest political party of the alliance. The incumbent [[Recean Cabinet]] organized these local elections. In addition, these local elections might have been the first in Moldova in which the [[Electronic voting|electronic vote]] could have been introduced. The elections were won by the centre-right, pro-European, and Atlanticist Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS). |
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| ⚫ | Local elections were held in [[Moldova]] on 5 November 2023, with a [[Two-round system|runoff round]] for mayors held two weeks later after the first round on 19 November 2023.<ref>{{cite web|title=The date of the local elections in 2023 was set|url=https://radiomoldova.md/p/2228|access-date=2023-03-28|website=radiomoldova.md|language=en}}</ref> The main electoral contenders will be, on the one hand, the [[Pro-Europeanism|pro-European]], [[Atlanticism|atlanticist]], [[Centre-right politics|centre-right]], and [[Liberalism|liberal]] [[Party of Action and Solidarity]] (PAS), currently in [[Government of Moldova|government]] (namely since 2021 onwards), and, on the other hand, the [[Left-wing politics|left-wing]] and [[Russophilia|pro-Russian]] [[Bloc of Communists and Socialists]] (BECS), currently in opposition and comprising the [[Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova]] (PCRM) as well as the [[Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova]] (PSRM), the latter being the largest political party of the alliance. The incumbent [[Recean Cabinet]] organized these local elections. In addition, these local elections might have been the first in Moldova in which the [[Electronic voting|electronic vote]] could have been introduced. The elections were won by the centre-right, pro-European, and |
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{{Main|2019 Moldovan local elections}} |
{{Main|2019 Moldovan local elections}} |
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Following the same 2019 election, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) only exerted political control over one [[Administrative divisions of Moldova|district]] (i.e. [[raion]]) PAS won its only politically-controlled district as part of the [[NOW Platform DA and PAS|ACUM]] electoral bloc/political alliance which also comprised the [[Dignity and Truth Platform]] (PPDA), the [[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova]] (PLDM), and the [[National Unity Party (Moldova)|National Unity Party]] (PUN). |
Following the same 2019 election, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) only exerted political control over one [[Administrative divisions of Moldova|district]] (i.e. [[raion]]) PAS won its only politically-controlled district as part of the [[NOW Platform DA and PAS|ACUM]] electoral bloc/political alliance which also comprised the [[Dignity and Truth Platform]] (PPDA), the [[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova]] (PLDM), and the [[National Unity Party (Moldova)|National Unity Party]] (PUN). |
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==Background== |
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The parliamentary majority expressed some openness in discussing the administrative-territorial reform.<ref>{{cite news|last=Botnaru|first=Vasile|last2=Boțan|first2=Igor|date=2021-11-29|title=Igor Boțan: Reforma teritorial-administrativă este presantă, dar mereu amânată|language=ro|work=Radio Europa Liberă|url=https://moldova.europalibera.org/a/igor-boțan-reforma-teritorial-administrativă-este-presantă-dar-mereu-amânată/31585119.html|access-date=2023-04-24}}</ref> In February 2023, there were [[2023 Moldovan coup d'état attempt allegations|allegations of a coup in Moldova]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Rankin|first=Jennifer|date=2023-02-13|title=Moldova president accuses Russia of plotting to oust pro-EU government|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/13/moldova-president-maia-sandu-accuses-russia-of-plotting-to-oust-pro-eu-government|access-date=2023-03-28|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Former [[Prime Minister of Moldova|Prime Minister]] [[Natalia Gavrilița]] (PAS) announced in 2023 that fundamental local government reform will not take place until the elections, but that "voluntary [[Amalgamation property|amalgamation]]" could be implemented, i.e. the union of several administrative-territorial units voluntarily.<ref>{{cite web|title=Natalia Gavrilița: Ar fi bine ca amalgamarea voluntară să aibă loc până la alegeri|url=https://radiochisinau.md/natalia-gavrilita-ar-fi-bine-ca-amalgamarea-voluntara-sa-aiba-loc-pana-la-alegeri---174185.html|access-date=2023-04-24|website=Radio Chișinău |language=ro-RO}}</ref> |
The parliamentary majority expressed some openness in discussing the administrative-territorial reform.<ref>{{cite news|last=Botnaru|first=Vasile|last2=Boțan|first2=Igor|date=2021-11-29|title=Igor Boțan: Reforma teritorial-administrativă este presantă, dar mereu amânată|language=ro|work=Radio Europa Liberă|url=https://moldova.europalibera.org/a/igor-boțan-reforma-teritorial-administrativă-este-presantă-dar-mereu-amânată/31585119.html|access-date=2023-04-24}}</ref> In February 2023, there were [[2023 Moldovan coup d'état attempt allegations|allegations of a coup in Moldova]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Rankin|first=Jennifer|date=2023-02-13|title=Moldova president accuses Russia of plotting to oust pro-EU government|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/13/moldova-president-maia-sandu-accuses-russia-of-plotting-to-oust-pro-eu-government|access-date=2023-03-28|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Former [[Prime Minister of Moldova|Prime Minister]] [[Natalia Gavrilița]] (PAS) announced in 2023 that fundamental local government reform will not take place until the elections, but that "voluntary [[Amalgamation property|amalgamation]]" could be implemented, i.e. the union of several administrative-territorial units voluntarily.<ref>{{cite web|title=Natalia Gavrilița: Ar fi bine ca amalgamarea voluntară să aibă loc până la alegeri|url=https://radiochisinau.md/natalia-gavrilita-ar-fi-bine-ca-amalgamarea-voluntara-sa-aiba-loc-pana-la-alegeri---174185.html|access-date=2023-04-24|website=Radio Chișinău |language=ro-RO}}</ref> |
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On 19 June 2023, the [[Șor Party]] was declared unconstitutional by the [[Constitutional Court of Moldova]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Partidul ȘOR, scos în afara legii de Curtea Constituțională de la Chișinău. Formațiunea oligarhului fugar ar fi pus la cale o lovitură de stat |url=https://ziare.com/republica-moldova/republica-moldova-partidul-sor-curtea-constitutionala-1811061 |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=Ziare.com |language=ro}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-19 |title=Ultima oră! Partidul Șor, declarat neconstituțional de Înalta Curte |url=https://unimedia.info/ro/news/c340c25e978ce8cc/ultima-ora-partidul-sor-declarat-neconstitutional-de-inalta-curte.html |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=UNIMEDIA |language=ro}}</ref> [[Ilan Shor]], who is a fugitive from justice, was banned, as were other Șor Party politicians from standing for election. In August 2023 a clone party, called “[[Chance. Duties. Realization.|ȘANSĂ]]”, led by journalist Alexei Lungu was established.<ref>{{cite web |title=„ȘANSA” lui Șor s-a mutat în sediul lui Plahotniuc. Un nou partid clonă al oligarhilor fugari |url=https://tvrmoldova.md/article/d46e6e3dbe4a7805/sansa-lui-sor-s-a-mutat-in-sediul-lui-plahotniuc-un-nou-partid-clona-al-oligarhilor-fugari.html |date=8 August 2023}}</ref> “ȘANSĂ” was deregistered as a political party two days before the local elections in November amid claims of using illegal funds from Russia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Moldova’s ‘Chance’ Party Stumbles as Local Elections Approach; Customs Service Strengthens International Ties |url=https://bnn.network/politics/moldovas-chance-party-stumbles-as-local-elections-approach-customs-service-strengthens-international-ties/ |date=3 November 2023}}</ref> This resulted in a blanket ban on all 8,605 candidates nominated by one party.<ref name="osce611">{{cite web |title=Moldova’s elections peaceful and efficient, but marred by sweeping restrictive measures amid national security concerns: international observers |url=https://www.osce.org/odihr/557427 |date=6 November 2023}}</ref> Intelligence chief Alexandru Musteață said that Russia spent about a billion Moldovan lei ($55.5 million), routed though Ilan Shor, to overthrow the democratic government and destabilise Moldova, with ȘANSĂ using around 10% of this sum in the last 2 months to bribe voters and illegally finance the political party associated with Shor.<ref>{{cite web|title=Moldova spy chief: Russia paid fugitive tycoon $ 55.5 mn to overthrow government|url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/11/04/moldova-spy-chief-russia-paid-fugitive-tycoon-55-5-mn-to-overthrow-government/|date=4 November 2023}}</ref> |
On 19 June 2023, the [[Șor Party]] was declared unconstitutional by the [[Constitutional Court of Moldova]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Partidul ȘOR, scos în afara legii de Curtea Constituțională de la Chișinău. Formațiunea oligarhului fugar ar fi pus la cale o lovitură de stat |url=https://ziare.com/republica-moldova/republica-moldova-partidul-sor-curtea-constitutionala-1811061 |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=Ziare.com |language=ro}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-19 |title=Ultima oră! Partidul Șor, declarat neconstituțional de Înalta Curte |url=https://unimedia.info/ro/news/c340c25e978ce8cc/ultima-ora-partidul-sor-declarat-neconstitutional-de-inalta-curte.html |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=UNIMEDIA |language=ro}}</ref> [[Ilan Shor]], who is a fugitive from justice, was banned, as were other Șor Party politicians from standing for election. In August 2023 a clone party, called “[[Chance. Duties. Realization.|ȘANSĂ]]”, led by journalist Alexei Lungu was established.<ref>{{cite web |title=„ȘANSA” lui Șor s-a mutat în sediul lui Plahotniuc. Un nou partid clonă al oligarhilor fugari |url=https://tvrmoldova.md/article/d46e6e3dbe4a7805/sansa-lui-sor-s-a-mutat-in-sediul-lui-plahotniuc-un-nou-partid-clona-al-oligarhilor-fugari.html |date=8 August 2023}}</ref> “ȘANSĂ” was deregistered as a political party two days before the local elections in November amid claims of using illegal funds from Russia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Moldova’s ‘Chance’ Party Stumbles as Local Elections Approach; Customs Service Strengthens International Ties |url=https://bnn.network/politics/moldovas-chance-party-stumbles-as-local-elections-approach-customs-service-strengthens-international-ties/ |date=3 November 2023}}</ref> This resulted in a blanket ban on all 8,605 candidates nominated by one party.<ref name="osce611">{{cite web |title=Moldova’s elections peaceful and efficient, but marred by sweeping restrictive measures amid national security concerns: international observers |url=https://www.osce.org/odihr/557427 |date=6 November 2023}}</ref> Intelligence chief Alexandru Musteață said that Russia spent about a billion Moldovan lei ($55.5 million), routed though Ilan Shor, to overthrow the democratic government and destabilise Moldova, with ȘANSĂ using around 10% of this sum in the last 2 months to bribe voters and illegally finance the political party associated with Shor.<ref>{{cite web|title=Moldova spy chief: Russia paid fugitive tycoon $ 55.5 mn to overthrow government|url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/11/04/moldova-spy-chief-russia-paid-fugitive-tycoon-55-5-mn-to-overthrow-government/|date=4 November 2023}}</ref> |
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==Conduct== |
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[[Electronic voting]] is expected to be tested in these local elections.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hacina|first=Daniel|date=2023-01-05|title=Electronic voting could be tested in Moldovan local elections|url=https://moldovalive.md/electronic-voting-could-be-tested-in-moldovan-local-elections/|access-date=2023-03-28|website=Moldova|language=en-US}}</ref> |
[[Electronic voting]] is expected to be tested in these local elections.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hacina|first=Daniel|date=2023-01-05|title=Electronic voting could be tested in Moldovan local elections|url=https://moldovalive.md/electronic-voting-could-be-tested-in-moldovan-local-elections/|access-date=2023-03-28|website=Moldova|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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==Mayoral results== |
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[[File:Alegeri locale moldova 2023.png|thumb|right|Electoral map depicting the results of the 2023 Moldovan local elections by each administrative unit of the country, i.e. [[raion]].]] |
[[File:Alegeri locale moldova 2023.png|thumb|right|Electoral map depicting the results of the 2023 Moldovan local elections by each administrative unit of the country, i.e. [[raion]].]] |
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273 localities will have a runoff vote on 19 November |
273 localities will have a runoff vote on 19 November |
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==External observers== |
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The [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]] (OSCE) was an observer organisation, with 264 observers from 36 countries, their opinion on the election was that: "The elections were calm and efficiently managed with candidates mostly able to campaign freely, but the broad powers of the government commission for exceptional situations were used to restrict freedom of speech and association as well as the right to stand, while interference from abroad and widespread allegations of vote buying throughout the campaign were of concern".<ref name="osce611"/> |
The [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]] (OSCE) was an observer organisation, with 264 observers from 36 countries, their opinion on the election was that: "The elections were calm and efficiently managed with candidates mostly able to campaign freely, but the broad powers of the government commission for exceptional situations were used to restrict freedom of speech and association as well as the right to stand, while interference from abroad and widespread allegations of vote buying throughout the campaign were of concern".<ref name="osce611"/> |
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The banning of candidates was contrary to commitments made by all OSCE states as well as other international standards for democratic elections; however, the elections were run well under challenging circumstances. Observers noted credible, persistent and widespread allegations of the use of illegal funds for vote buying, linked to the leader of the dissolved Șor Party, and the use of foreign private sponsorship to fund local infrastructure projects in some districts, to gain votes.<ref name="osce611"/> |
The banning of candidates was contrary to commitments made by all OSCE states as well as other international standards for democratic elections; however, the elections were run well under challenging circumstances. Observers noted credible, persistent, and widespread allegations of the use of illegal funds for vote buying, linked to the leader of the dissolved Șor Party, and the use of foreign private sponsorship to fund local infrastructure projects in some districts, to gain votes.<ref name="osce611"/> |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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Revision as of 00:32, 11 November 2023
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| Administrative divisions |
 Moldova portal |
Local elections were held in Moldova on 5 November 2023, with a runoff round for mayors held two weeks later after the first round on 19 November 2023.[1] The main electoral contenders will be, on the one hand, the pro-European, atlanticist, centre-right, and liberal Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), currently in government (namely since 2021 onwards), and, on the other hand, the left-wing and pro-Russian Bloc of Communists and Socialists (BECS), currently in opposition and comprising the Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) as well as the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), the latter being the largest political party of the alliance. The incumbent Recean Cabinet organized these local elections. In addition, these local elections might have been the first in Moldova in which the electronic vote could have been introduced. The elections were won by the centre-right, pro-European, and Atlanticist Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS).
Last local election
In 2019, the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM) won the most, namely 17 out of 32 administrative districts, as per the electoral results obtained or registered at the last Moldovan local elections which were held in 2019.
Following the same 2019 election, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) only exerted political control over one district (i.e. raion) PAS won its only politically-controlled district as part of the ACUM electoral bloc/political alliance which also comprised the Dignity and Truth Platform (PPDA), the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova (PLDM), and the National Unity Party (PUN).
Background
The parliamentary majority expressed some openness in discussing the administrative-territorial reform.[2] In February 2023, there were allegations of a coup in Moldova.[3] Former Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița (PAS) announced in 2023 that fundamental local government reform will not take place until the elections, but that "voluntary amalgamation" could be implemented, i.e. the union of several administrative-territorial units voluntarily.[4]
On 19 June 2023, the Șor Party was declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court of Moldova.[5][6] Ilan Shor, who is a fugitive from justice, was banned, as were other Șor Party politicians from standing for election. In August 2023 a clone party, called “ȘANSĂ”, led by journalist Alexei Lungu was established.[7] “ȘANSĂ” was deregistered as a political party two days before the local elections in November amid claims of using illegal funds from Russia.[8] This resulted in a blanket ban on all 8,605 candidates nominated by one party.[9] Intelligence chief Alexandru Musteață said that Russia spent about a billion Moldovan lei ($55.5 million), routed though Ilan Shor, to overthrow the democratic government and destabilise Moldova, with ȘANSĂ using around 10% of this sum in the last 2 months to bribe voters and illegally finance the political party associated with Shor.[10]
Conduct
Electronic voting is expected to be tested in these local elections.[11]
Mayoral results
After the first round of voting:[12]
- 898 mayoral positions were contested;
- In Chișinău, incumbent mayor, Ion Ceban was re-elected;
- Bălți will go to a runoff;
- PAS won mayoral positions in 240 localities in the first round.
273 localities will have a runoff vote on 19 November
External observers
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was an observer organisation, with 264 observers from 36 countries, their opinion on the election was that: "The elections were calm and efficiently managed with candidates mostly able to campaign freely, but the broad powers of the government commission for exceptional situations were used to restrict freedom of speech and association as well as the right to stand, while interference from abroad and widespread allegations of vote buying throughout the campaign were of concern".[9]
The banning of candidates was contrary to commitments made by all OSCE states as well as other international standards for democratic elections; however, the elections were run well under challenging circumstances. Observers noted credible, persistent, and widespread allegations of the use of illegal funds for vote buying, linked to the leader of the dissolved Șor Party, and the use of foreign private sponsorship to fund local infrastructure projects in some districts, to gain votes.[9]
References
- ^ "The date of the local elections in 2023 was set". radiomoldova.md. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
- ^ Botnaru, Vasile; Boțan, Igor (29 November 2021). "Igor Boțan: Reforma teritorial-administrativă este presantă, dar mereu amânată". Radio Europa Liberă (in Romanian). Retrieved 24 April 2023.
- ^ Rankin, Jennifer (13 February 2023). "Moldova president accuses Russia of plotting to oust pro-EU government". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
- ^ "Natalia Gavrilița: Ar fi bine ca amalgamarea voluntară să aibă loc până la alegeri". Radio Chișinău (in Romanian). Retrieved 24 April 2023.
- ^ "Partidul ȘOR, scos în afara legii de Curtea Constituțională de la Chișinău. Formațiunea oligarhului fugar ar fi pus la cale o lovitură de stat". Ziare.com (in Romanian). Retrieved 19 June 2023.
- ^ "Ultima oră! Partidul Șor, declarat neconstituțional de Înalta Curte". UNIMEDIA (in Romanian). 19 June 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
- ^ "„ȘANSA" lui Șor s-a mutat în sediul lui Plahotniuc. Un nou partid clonă al oligarhilor fugari". 8 August 2023.
- ^ "Moldova's 'Chance' Party Stumbles as Local Elections Approach; Customs Service Strengthens International Ties". 3 November 2023.
- ^ a b c "Moldova's elections peaceful and efficient, but marred by sweeping restrictive measures amid national security concerns: international observers". 6 November 2023.
- ^ "Moldova spy chief: Russia paid fugitive tycoon $ 55.5 mn to overthrow government". 4 November 2023.
- ^ Hacina, Daniel (5 January 2023). "Electronic voting could be tested in Moldovan local elections". Moldova. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
- ^ "Moldova's pro-Western government hails elections despite mayoral losses in capital and key cities". 6 November 2023.
| Parliamentary elections | |
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| Presidential elections | |
| Local elections | |
| Referendums | |
See also: Elections and referendums in Gagauzia and Transnistria | |
