Moldova’s Elections Observed By Washington Delegates
Representatives from USAID/Washington, accompanied by White House Associate Political Director Paul Dyck, participated in the OSCE election observation mission to Moldova earlier this month.
Voter turnout topped 70% for the March 6 parliamentary election, which resulted in a 21% reduction in the majority Communist Party to 56 of the total 101 parliamentary seats. President Vladimir Voronin requires the support of 61 members for re-election, and is widely expected to secure the additional 5 parliamentary votes needed to win. Election Day operations were deemed fair and transparent, a welcome departure from the manipulation and intimidation tactics perpetrated by the ruling party during the pre-election period.
During the course of the observation mission, the Washington delegation also conducted several field visits of USAID projects throughout Moldova. In Ceadir Lunga, delegates toured the city’s newly-constructed natural gas pipeline, a recently completed USAID Local Government Reform Project. Prior to the installation, residents of the city’s Sheftelik neighborhood were forced to rely on wood and coal for household cooking and heating.
Ceadir Lunga mayor Mihal Formuzal expressed local citizens’ deep gratitude for USAID support, and remarked, “We are pleased that President Bush is supporting democracy in Moldova and hope he will continue these efforts not only here, but all over the world.”
E&E Chief of Staff Brock Bierman thanked him and remarked, “I am sure that President Bush will be very pleased to hear that his priority on promoting liberty around the globe has taken root in Moldova.”
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| Polling Board #67 Chairperson Vitalie Comendant tallies ballots to ensure an accurate count. |
Members of Polling Board #67 empty the ballot box in Sloboziazo Vazancau, Moldova. |
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