Russian OSCE observers not accredited by Moldova: Russia is outraged

Russia has reported that the Central Election Commission of Moldova has refused to accredit several "Russian short-term observers to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)".

Source: Statement by the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the OSCE issued on 31 October; European Pravda with reference to Newsmaker.

"This is not the first time that official Chisinau has maliciously violated international commitments in the electoral sphere adopted within the framework of the OSCE due to its anti-Russian bias. (...) We demand that the Moldovan authorities should return to the conscientious fulfilment of their commitments in the electoral sphere and that the ODIHR’s leadership should take immediate measures to rectify the situation," the Russian mission to the OSCE said in the statement.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Moldova accredited 401 international observers. There is no Russian citizen among the OSCE/ODIHR international observers.

Rodika Syrbu, Head of the Central Electoral Commission of Moldova's Public Relations Department, commented on the refusal to accredit Russian short-term observers to the OSCE.

"It is absolutely natural to consult the competent authorities of the state regarding the list of designated observers. Accordingly, the competent authorities have the right to express an opinion on the persons seconded to observe the elections. In this case, a recommendation was given to the Central Electoral Commission that they refrain from accrediting some persons," Rodika Syrbu said.

The commission noted that the number of observers denied accreditation was insignificant. "Such cases exist in the practice of OSCE observation missions. The CEC makes no comment on the reasons that were the basis of this decision, because these are within the competence of the relevant state bodies," Rodika Syrbu said.

Local elections in Moldova will be held on 5 November.

In early October, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that the Russian terrorist group Wagner was behind the thwarted coup attempt in Moldova earlier this year.

On 13 February, Sandu released details of an alleged Russian plan for a military coup, which included, she said, attacks on state institutions and hostage-taking.

Read more about it here: Coup attempt in Moldova: Sandu Nominates new Prime Minister facing Russia's threat.

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