SILBA Election Observation in Moldova and presence during the students demonstrations afterwards

SILBA conducted a medium-size Election Observation in Moldova during the Parliament Election, April 5th 2009. SILBA had applied for official accreditation, but was given a last minute rejection with a technical reason.

SILBA originally intended to conduct an Election Observation Mission with Polling Station Inspections combined with Exit Polling. Deprived of the accreditation, SILBA carried out only the Polling Station Inspection part.

Overall the independent international and domestic observers reported a fair number of violations. Quite a number of deceased citizens actually voted (presumable for the communists), youth living illegally abroad voted, etc etc. The results were that the communists won just enough seats in the Parliament to elect the new President (The important President position is elected by the parliament)

As a result of the surprising election victory for the communist government, the students of the capital rushed to the street and youth came from the regions. A large crowd gathered in front of the Parliament and Presidential Palace. The youth stormed the Police chains, making the police flee. The demonstants stormed the Parliament, brought furniture to the street and toched them.

The SILBAs observers were present in front of the Parliament during the entire revolt. Being almost the only foreigners in Chisinau, SILBA was able to report to the international press about the ongoing revolt. During the few days the demonstrations lasted, SILBA managed to get more than 100 different Danish and European medias to mention the event in Moldova.