MINSK, 19 February (BelTA) – Over 100 observers have been accredited to monitor the parliamentary elections in Moldova as part of the CIS observation mission. The elections are scheduled for 24 February, Viktor Guminsky, First Deputy Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee, CIS First Deputy Executive Secretary, told reporters prior to the session of the Council of Permanent Plenipotentiary Representatives of the Participants of the Commonwealth under Charter and Other Bodies of the Commonwealth that is taking place at the CIS Executive Committee headquarters in Minsk, BelTA has learned.
“We have received an invitation from the Moldovan Central Election Commission for CIS observers to monitor the parliamentary elections. As of today, accreditation has been granted to over 100 observers from nine CIS participating states, as well as the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Belarus-Russia Union State, the CIS Executive Committee. Twelve our long-term observers are already working in Moldova, the headquarters of the observation mission has already been set up in Chisinau,” Viktor Guminsky said.
In his words, the assessment of the Moldovan election campaign will be made when the work of the observation mission is over. So far, the campaign is proceeding in line with the country's law and in a calm environment. “We will collaborate and exchange our views with working groups of other missions. For example, as the head of the CIS observation mission I am scheduled to meet with the head of the OSCE ODIHR observation team. The observation activity will also be conducted by observers from the Council of Europe and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Whenever we have an opportunity we will exchange views with them regarding the observation,” Viktor Guminsky said.
Viktor Guminsky underlined that the CIS observation mission will strictly abide by Moldova's laws. “We will be guided by the principles of neutrality, uncompromising stance, and non-interference with the domestic affairs of the country. Like always, our mission will give an objective assessment of the preparation and conduct of the parliamentary elections in Moldova,” he added.
