
OSCE-ODIHR has published the final report on the May 11 parliamentary elections.
The report states that the 11th elections took place in a polarized political environment, emphasizing that the contestants did not enjoy a level playing field.
According to the report, the ruling party (Socialist Party) waived fines a few days before the elections, and criminal elements influenced the voting.
Excerpt from the report:
The ruling party benefited from extensive use of state resources and institutional capacities, including the announcement shortly before election day of a large number of fines being forgiven, and senior government officials engaged in a large number of official activities that often coincided with campaign messages, blurring the line between state and party.
There were allegations of pressure on public administration officials, cases of intimidation of opposition supporters, as well as the use of patronage networks, which contradict international standards.
Other issues of concern include reports of vote-buying, attempts to unfairly influence marginalized voters, and allegations of criminal elements influencing some political parties.