As Ambassador to Moldova since July 2006 for the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe’s (OSCE), Louis O’Neill has maintained a firm commitment to free and fair elections there. Democratic processes, the rule of law and good elections are an essential precondition for creating and maintaining the human security and freedom that the OSCE aims to bring to all its participating States.

In December 2006, Ambassador Louis ONeill led the OSCE Mission to Moldova in observing two rounds of elections for the Bashkan (Governor) of Gagauzia, an autonomous province in the country’s south. The elections there were generally held in a calm and orderly manner. “We commend the Gagauz electoral authorities for a good administration of the second round of elections,” said Ambassador O’Neill.

According to the Head of Mission, during the second round on December 17, 2006 campaign conditions improved considerably in comparison with the first round held two weeks earlier on December 3. “Both candidates enjoyed equal access to the media and had the opportunity to take part in televised debates on Teleradio Gagauzia,” Ambassador Louis O’Neill said.

OSCE Mission Members visited all 64 polling stations on Election Day and followed the counting procedures in six locations after the polls closed.

The people of Moldova continue to suffer due to the effects of separatism by the breakaway region of Transnistria. This was apparent during the last round of local and municipal elections in Moldova, where access to polling centers in left-bank (Transnistrian-controlled) villages, particularly around Corjova, was severely impeded by the Transnistrian authorities. Ambassador Louis O’Neill and his team worked tirelessly to ensure that all Moldovans eligible to vote were able to access a polling center in the last election.

Despite these efforts and a deep commitment to fair elections on the part of the OSCE, Transnistrian militiamen forced their way into the Moldovan polling place in Corhova on the day of the election, blocking voters and shutting it down.

“Closing down a polling station by force is unacceptable,” said Ambassador Louis O’Neill. “The OSCE Mission made intensive efforts over the last days to mediate a solution which would have prevented this escalation. We deeply regret that it was not possible to find such a solution and that Corjova voters were again deprived of their right to elect a mayor and a local council.” O’Neill was referencing an incident two weeks earlier in which Transnistrian militiamen so effectively blocked access to polls that only 99 out of 1350 voters were able to vote, rendering the election invalid.

Ambassador Louis O’Neill expressed his concern for maintaining the peace along with ensuring that fair elections take place in Moldova. “Mission members counted approximately 70 Transnistrian militiamen and about 40 Moldovan police in and around the polling station on Sunday,” said Ambassador O’Neill. “The Moldova authorities showed restraint by not bringing in additional forces to attempt to repel the Transnistrian seizure of the voting place. Such a move could have driven events beyond control. Overall it was clear that neither side wished to further escalate this very difficult situation.”

Ambassador O’Neill’s ability to work with both sides and deep understanding of their political and cultural differences are an expression of his genuine commitment to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova with a special status for the Transnistrian region.

anastasiak :: Jul.24.2008 :: Russian Visa News :: No Comments »

Trackback this post | Feed on Comments to this post