Republic of Moldova

Moldova’s Constitutional Court has confirmed the outcome of the country’s February 24 parliamentary elections, rejecting an appeal by some opposition parties to invalidate the results in several constituencies.

Moldova’s 24 February parliamentary elections were competitive and fundamental rights were generally respected, but the campaign took place against the backdrop of disaffection with public institutions and was tainted by allegations of pressure on public employees, strong indications of vote buying and the misuse of state resources, the international observers concluded in a preliminary statement released today.

An election in Moldova this month looks likely to produce a hung parliament, entrenching a split between pro-Western and pro-Russian forces at a time when concerns over corruption and democracy have soured its relations with the European Union.