Republic of Moldova

Moldova: Elections go hi-tech, include Moldovans abroad and visually impaired

CHISINAU, Moldova – 3 December 2010 – Moldovan citizens, including a record number of those living abroad, cast their votes during early parliamentary elections on 28 November. This year’s voter turnout was higher than any other previous elections. Watch: campaign video encouraging people to vote View: photos from election day

This year’s voter turnout was higher than any other previous elections.

People with visual impairments also cast their vote using a new system for the first time during the elections, thanks to assistance from the Romanian Government and UNDP.

"This was the first time I could vote without the help of an attendant, being confident that I gave my vote to the electoral competitor who deserves it," said Nicolae Ciobanu. "I hope that more blind people will be able to participate in future elections."

According to statistical data, there are approximately 10,000 people with visual impairments in Moldova, with most having been unable to vote independently.

Moldovan voters also witnessed another first during the elections: the electronic register of voters.

The electronic voter register was successfully tested in 43 polling stations in Chisinau. A survey conducted at the exit from the polling stations to evaluate voters’ perception on the use of the electronic voters’ register showed that 90 percent of respondents found it extremely effective in ensuring fair and transparent elections.

UNDP also supported the development and running of an improved system of displaying the turnout and voting results, which contributed to faster and more secure access to information.

"Thanks to UNDP and EU support, we managed to ensure a greater participation of citizens, both in the country and abroad, to improve the electoral processes and to increase the transparency of elections results," said Iurie Ciocan, Secretary to the Central Electoral Commission.

"These include numerous training courses and advice for the [Central Election Commission] staff, including on public relations and communication as well as the improvement of Commission’s media and [information and communication technology] infrastructure, harmonization of the electoral legislation, and organization of nation-wide information campaigns."

Together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNDP in Moldova organized training for staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration involved in organizing elections, including the employees of the 75 polling stations outside of the country, on election procedures and logistics – which contributed to the successful organization of voting for those living abroad.

UNDP also helped set up a media centre at the Central Elections Commission, which according to Mr. Ciocan, helped to strengthen relations with the media and ensure a quick sharing of information to the public. 

UNDP organized a publicity campaign for the early parliamentary elections which used social networks (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube), a web site (www.lume.md), on online contest, audio and video public service announcements, flyers, billboards, banners, and SMS campaigns.

The campaign was based on the folk song "Lume, lume" (“People, people”) with the goal of bringing people of different ages, culture and social status together regardless of their whereabouts, using the slogan "Voteaza, lume!"

The Central Electoral Commission, UN agencies and donors came together to promote Moldova’s democratic development, with positive and continuous cooperation, said Kaarina Immonen, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Moldova.

UNDP has been providing electoral support to Moldova since 2008, with funding from the European Union – with the aim of strengthening the capacities of the Central Electoral Commission to organize transparent and fair elections.