On 14-15 March 2024, ENEMO Head of Department for Democracy and Elections Pierre Peytier spoke at the post-electoral review conference “General Local Elections from the Republic of Moldova of 5 November 2023. The impact of electoral reform: lessons learned, recommendations and steps ahead” organized by the CEC Moldova with support from the Council of Europe.

The event held in Chisinau was an opportunity for ENEMO to highlight the very positive cooperation established with the CEC Moldova, and present its key findings and recommendations from ENEMO's EOM to the 2023 Local Elections. 

The Head of Department praised the progress made by Moldova in improving its electoral legislation, including the most recent amendments to the Electoral Code, as well as the work of the election administration in the very challenging context faced by the country. However, he highlighted several areas where substantial risks remain and require improvements. This includes the need for authorities to prevent broad vote buying schemes, improve campaigning/campaign finance oversight, strengthen media monitoring, uphold the right to legal redress in line with international standards, and address malign foreign influence. Lastly, he strongly emphasized the peril these risks pose to the integrity of future electoral processes if left unaddressed, as well as the importance of safeguarding citizens' trust in democracy itself.