Contents PROGRAMME INFORMATION ...... 2 ACRONYMS ...... 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 4 CONTEXT...... 6
POLITICAL CONTEXT ...... 6
PROGRAMME CONTEXT ...... 8 RESULTS ...... 10
PARLIAMENT COMPONENT ...... 10 Output 1. Improving the Institutional capacity of the Parliament to meet European Standards of gender and human rights ...... 10 Output 2. Strengthening the legislative and oversight functions of the Parliament ...... 16 Output 3. Fostering the quality of the representative role of the Parliament and promoting more interaction between Members of the Parliament, citizens and civil society ...... 18
ELECTORAL COMPONENT ...... 24 Output 1. Capacities of electoral administration on central, territorial and local levels to deliver inclusive and professional elections improved and gender and human rights mainstreamed ...... 24 Output 2. Strategic legal framework conducive to trustworthy and transparent electoral process based on official data using modern technological developments ...... 36 Output 3. State IT systems ensure electoral administration in line with strategic and legal framework and modern technological developments on sustainable basis ...... 39 Output 4. Public better informed and engaged in electoral processes on central, territorial and local levels ...... 46 IMPLEMENTATION TOWARDS PROGRAMME OUTPUTS ...... 50
PARLIAMENT COMPONENT ...... 50
ELECTORAL COMPONENT ...... 56 ISSUES AND RISKS OF PROGRAMME ...... 61 SUSTAINABILITY OF THE ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED ...... 71
PARLIAMENT COMPONENT ...... 71
ELECTORAL COMPONENT ...... 72 LESSONS LEARNED ...... 76
PARLIAMENT COMPONENT ...... 76
ELECTORAL COMPONENT ...... 77 ANNEXES ...... 78
PROVISIONAL EXPENSES BY PROGRAMME OUTPUTS ...... 78
PARLIAMENT COMPONENT ...... 79
ELECTORAL COMPONENT ...... 84
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Programme Information
Project ID 00058053
Duration 2012-2017
Increased transparency, accountability and efficiency of CPD Outcome central and local public authorities
Total Funds Received 8,766,573 USD
Parliament of Moldova Implementing Partner Central Electoral Commission
Stefan Liller UNDP Contact Person Deputy Resident Representative UNDP Moldova E-mail: [email protected]
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Acronyms
UN United Nations
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
SIDA Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
CEC Central Election Commission
CCET Center for Continuous Electoral Training
DEC District Electoral Council
PEB Precinct Electoral Bureau
CSS Civil Status Service
IPU Inter-Parliamentary Union
PTIOs Parliamentary Territorial and Information Offices
AA Association Agreement
EU European Union
OSCE/ODIHR Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe – Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
DCFTA Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area
SDP Strategic Development Plan
NHRAP National Human Rights Action Plan
SRV State Register of Voters
SAISE State Automated Information System “Elections”
SRRM State Register of Resource Mobilization
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Executive Summary Since its inception in July 2012, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) “Improving the quality of Moldovan democracy through parliamentary and electoral support” Programme (Democracy Programme) has been defined by its core mandate to build and strengthen the capacity of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and the Central Electoral Commission. The Programme focused on strengthening the institutional capacity of the Parliament and the Central Electoral Commission, improving their main functions and entrenching gender and human rights considerations in the formal political process. The Programme aimed at enhancing parliamentary efficiency in carrying out its functions and responsibilities, thus contributing to viable democracy and open society in Moldova. The Programme adopted a comprehensive, long-term approach to parliamentary development, including strengthening of the legislature’s law-making, representation and oversight roles and assisting the Parliament in increasing the participation of civil society and citizens in policy making and oversight processes. At the Central Electoral Commission, the Programme supported the further development of the institutional capacities and of an enabling environment for the delivery of modern and inclusive electoral services. The success of the Programme is reflected by a more sustainable and professional Parliament and national electoral commission; continued holding of national elections in line with the international standards; and delivery of the constitutional right of every Moldovan citizen to elect and to be elected. The Programme supported the development of the tools and instruments, as well as of an enabling environment for the delivery of modern an inclusive electoral service. The Programme visibly contributed to the improved legislative, oversight and representation functions of the Parliament as well as provided a solid basis for the improvement of the electoral systems and processes. The Programme assisted the Parliament to increase the participation of civil society and citizens in policy making and oversight processes. It also built the capacities of Members of the Parliament and staff on EU approximation, gender equity, child rights, budget oversight and anticorruption. Gender and human rights considerations had been mainstreamed through the entire intervention, while gender equality aspects had been institutionalised in the rules, regulations and processes in both partner institutions. The Democracy Programme was structured around two components, each component having its specific outputs, as follows: Parliament Component Output 1. Improving the institutional capacity of the Parliament to meet European Standards of gender and human rights. Output 2. Strengthening the legislative and oversight functions of the Parliament. Output 3. Fostering the quality of the representative role of the Parliament and promoting more interaction between Members of the Parliament, citizens and civil society. Electoral Component Output 1. Capacities of electoral administration on central, territorial and local levels to deliver inclusive and professional elections improved and gender and human rights mainstreamed.
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Output 2. Strategic legal framework conducive to trustworthy and transparent electoral process based on official data using modern technological developments. Output 3. State IT systems ensure electoral administration in line with strategic and legal framework and modern technological developments on sustainable basis. Output 4. Public better informed and engaged in electoral processes on central, territorial and local levels. Both Programme’s components were implemented under the direction of the relevant beneficiary institutions – the Parliament and the Central Electoral Commission. The activities implemented by both components were designed to:
Consolidate the institutional base of both institutions; Achieve tangible results in key functional areas; Assist both institutions to achieve their own stated goals; Support the translation of Moldova’s international human rights commitments into local actions; and Assist in the achievement of Moldova’s European Integration goals. Parliament assistance and electoral support are integral parts of UNDP’s democratic governance assistance worldwide; through such work UNDP helps nations build or renew democratic frameworks to improve representation, accountability and transparency for the benefit of citizens. The shared outcome of democratic political processes often means that work in both the electoral and parliamentary spheres occurs at the same time, involves and overlaps in beneficiary groups and personnel and can address similar themes and concerns. This Programme was also positioned in the context of Moldova’s efforts towards integration into the European Union (EU), in particular of the negotiations of the EU – Republic of Moldova Association Agreement (AA), including the establishment of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). The AA and the DCFTA required considerable reforms and, crucially, a broad program of legislative and institutional approximation to the EU acquis and standards.
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Context The United Nations (UN) recognizes the sovereignty of all member states1 and has supported Moldova since its joined the United Nations. Republic of Moldova is a sovereign, independent, unitary and indivisible state2, is a landlocked state in Eastern Europe, bordered to the west by Romania and to the north, east and south by Ukraine3. It is one of the most densely populated European countries, with a population of 3.5 million, including the breakaway Transnistria region. The country is divided into thirty-two districts and five municipalities4. The Republic of Moldova declared its independence in 1991. A new Constitution was adopted on 29 July 1994. On March 2, 1992, Moldova joined the United Nations. There have been many positive changes in recent years, in particular in relation to poverty reduction and democratic governance. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in some 170 countries and territories, including the Republic of Moldova, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. Political Context Since the Parliamentary Elections of April 2009, Moldova has been facing an unstable political situation. Both the conduct of the elections and the results were highly controversial and sparked civil unrest, during which the premises of the Parliament and the office of the President were substantially damaged. As it was not possible to elect the President due to the lack of votes with the majority coalition, a constitutional referendum aiming at re-introducing direct elections for the President was organised in September 2010, but failed. The Parliament was dissolved yet again and the third Parliamentary Elections in less than two years was held on 28 November 2010. The Liberal Democrats, Democrats and Liberals agreed to form a new three party coalition – Alliance for European Integration II. A continuous political instability and the prospect of an early parliamentary election characterized the first half of 2013. Only after a new Government was elected in June 2013 the political situation subsided. Throughout 2013, Moldova continued to implement reforms aiming at further European Union (EU) approximation. During the Summit in Vilnius (Lithuania) held on 29 November 2013, the Government initiated negotiations for an Association Agreement and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) with the EU. Both agreements are part of the Eastern Partnership Framework and were signed in 2014. The planned Association Agreement negotiated between Moldova and the EU reconfirmed mutual commitment to support Moldova’s approximation to the EU, in particular, in rule of law, democracy, and human rights standards and principles. The Parliamentary Elections held in November 2014 resulted in a pro-European majority coalition in the Parliament. However, following the Parliamentary Elections of November 2014, Moldova has seen a series of short-lived governments and an intensification of anti-government demonstrations.
1 United Nations Charter, Article 2.7 2 Article 1. Constitution of the Republic of Moldova. 3 Article 3. Constitution of the Republic of Moldova. 4 Article 110. Constitution of the Republic of Moldova.
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Only one year into the legislative period of the newly elected Parliament, where 68% elected MPs were new, Moldova witnessed a large banking fraud scandal with a billion dollars being stolen. The scandal left the citizens bitterly disillusioned with their Government and had sparked massive protests. The NDI Moldova’s carried public opinion study in March 2016 showed a steady erosion of trust in country’s institutions and in the Government. 52% Moldovans believed the country was dominated by corruption and 85-89% of the population did not trust the political parties, the Government or the Parliament (The study is not available online). In April-May 2016, the political landscape in Moldova has been characterized by a slump in the intensity of political protests. A call for a referendum brought forward by the Civic Platform “Dignity and Truth” (Platforma Civică DA - Demnitate și Adevăr, later transformed into the Political Party „Platform Dignity and Truth”) on the election of the President by a popular vote, number of MPs to be reduced from 101 to 71 and changes in the Constitutional articles no. 70 (3) and n. 89 to be made, was turned down by the CEC due to an insufficient number of signatures and an incorrect distribution of the signatures among the districts. The decision was overruled by a Judge. The Supreme Court of Justice confirmed the ruling, while the Constitutional Court’s decision allowed for the change in the elections of the President of the Republic of Moldova to the general vote. Although the term of the President Nicolae Timofti expired at the end of March 2016, on April 1 legislators voted to postpone the Presidential Elections— which took place by popular vote. The country held its first direct Presidential Elections since 1996 in two rounds on 30 October and on 13 November. Igor Dodon was elected President in November 2016, with 52% of the vote. His political programme was based on the plans to turn from the EU to Russian Federation and to join the Eurasian Economic Union. This has further added to the atmosphere of a continued political instability. Currently Moldova’s political environment is in a precarious situation. A polarized society and some adverse external surroundings coupled with enormous economic challenges further add to the country’s hardships. After the loss of a one/eight of GDP to the fraud within the banking sector, the issue of transparency, accountability and corruption have become a major concern. Notwithstanding the political challenges, and governance issues as a centre stage, Moldova has other important challenges to solve. Large-scale emigration, combined with decreasing fertility rates, has hastened the pace of aging in Moldova, making the pension system fiscally and socially unsustainable, together with an inefficient and large public sector. Despite over a decade of economic growth, Moldova remains the poorest country in Europe. Deteriorating political situation in the neighbouring, Ukraine combined with the deep economic recession of Moldova’s eastern partners has further affected country’s economic prosper. The Programme “Improving the quality of Moldovan democracy through parliamentary and electoral support” aiming to enhance the efficiency of the Parliament in carrying out its functions and responsibilities and supporting the CEC to increase citizens’ trust in the electoral process and the outcomes was implemented between 2012 and 2016 in the context of a volatile political environment and Moldova’s continuous efforts towards integration into the European Union (EU). The political situation and the EU approximation process in Moldova had an impact on the Programme as well as on the beneficiaries which were levelled to the best extend possible during the Programme period and allowed the Programme to deliver the expected results in the prescribed timeframe.
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Programme context Parliamentary assistance and electoral support are integral parts of UNDP’s democratic governance assistance worldwide; through such work UNDP helps nations build or renew democratic frameworks to improve representation, accountability and transparency for the benefit of citizens. The shared outcome of democratic political processes often means that work in both the electoral and parliamentary spheres occurs at the same time, involves an overlap in beneficiary groups and personnel, and can address similar themes and concerns. The Programme incorporated cross-cutting issues such as human rights and gender and aimed to promote a strategic partnership between both institutions. The objectives and outputs of the Parliament Component of the Programme did not change during the Programme implementation cycle. However, the Electoral Component was adjusted and expanded during the implementation cycle. Started as the first Electoral Support for Moldova (ESM) Programme that began in 2008, the electoral work was continued from July 2012 under the Programme “Improving the quality of Moldovan democracy through parliamentary and electoral support” (Democracy Programme) which had two components and worked with two national partners – the CEC and Parliament. As result, the CEC had become a more professional and transparent institution. There had been progress on all three areas where the Programme has provided support - gender and human rights, institutional strengthening and voter registration. The Programme assisted the CEC to implement the vision inherent in Moldovan Law 101 of 2008, which sets out an ambitious programme of automation in the electoral sphere. All IT support in Democracy Programme was aimed at meeting the requirements of this law and the Programme provided extensive advisory assistance, bespoke software development and IT hardware for the CEC, as well as extensive training and support for the use of the system. Over the Democracy Programme timeline there had been significant expansion of the institutional support framework to the CEC and elections in general. With the closure of USAID funded IFES Program in May 2013, UNDP Democracy Programme remained the sole provider of the international support the Central Electoral Commission of Moldova. The Democracy Programme continued to involve all key international development partners in discussions about elections and support to the CEC through regular (overall twice per year) Donor coordination and information meetings on elections. At the same time, there was a need for continued support to ensure sustainable functioning of a modern and transparent institution in line with international best practices on gender and human rights, access to elections to special groups of voters, institutional capacity to manage processes in line with modern management and data protection framework and using data from the key registers through governmental interoperability platform. In March 2014, the Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Moldova (CEC) identified a number of areas where support is required for CEC and other stakeholders to further enhance the quality of electoral administration on various levels. The CEC identified that it needs continued support to embed gender and human rights in electoral process on a sustainable basis, to further strengthen institutional and human resources capacities of electoral administration on central and territorial levels, to ensure sustainability and maintenance of the future State Register of Voters and support with the review of the concept of the State Automated Information System “Elections” (SAISE). The CEC also identified a number of new areas of work, including capacity development on political party finance monitoring, institutional strengthening the Center for Continuous Electoral Training (CCET), support to development of concepts on voter lists based on population
8 registrations system and how can data in the population register be improved to, inter alia, meet the needs of electoral administration. An important aspect of this system relates to the need to support development of the official address register that would provide unified address data to the CEC as well as population registration system and local governments. The Programme adjusted its work to the new situation and requirements, always keeping cross cutting issues like human rights and gender in the focus of its work. Programme objectives 2012-2014 COMPONENT II: Electoral Support 2.1 Gender and human rights into elections and CEC 2.2 Improving institutional environment for electoral management bodies to deliver inclusive and modern electoral processes 2.3 Improving public registration process for Moldovans and supporting the modernization of Moldovan electoral processes Programme objectives 2014-2016 COMPONENT II: Electoral Support Output 1 – Capacities of electoral administration on central, territorial and local levels to deliver inclusive and professional elections, improved and gender and human rights mainstreamed Output 2 – Strategic and legal framework conducive to trustworthy and transparent electoral process based on official data using modern technological developments Output 3 – State IT systems ensure electoral administration in line with strategic and legal framework and modern technological developments on a sustainable basis Output 4 - Public better informed and engaged in electoral processes on central, territorial and local levels
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Results UNDP Moldova Country Office employs results-based management, maximizing effectiveness and accountability by pursuing results that are both achievable and can reasonably be expected as outcomes of planned activities; monitoring progress toward these results; making managerial decisions based on lessons learned throughout implementation; and reporting regularly on progress and performance5. Parliament Component The Parliamentary Component of the Programme, focused on the Parliament as an institution, provided technical support to the organizational structures of the Parliament Committees, and to its Secretariat and Committee Staff. Due to the activities implemented within the Programme and continuous advocacy for gender and human rights consideration, gender equality issues have received significant attention in the work of the Parliament. Output 1. Improving the Institutional capacity of the Parliament to meet European Standards of gender and human rights The Output achieved and activities conducted demonstrate a high level of relevance to the overall goals of the Programme to strengthen the capacity of the Parliament of Moldova. The need for a more gender-representative and gender-sensitive Parliament requires continuous commitment by the parliamentary actors and sustained UNDP support. The Programme addressed the issues of capacity building and implemented a set of trainings, peer-to-peer exchange, a methodology and recommendations that, combined, have improved the gender mainstreaming, which strengthened human resources capacities of the Parliament, as well as gender considerations’ application in executing the main functions of the Committees. The Programme activities implemented were aimed at achieving the Output’s objectives and were in line with the needs of the Parliament and the objectives set out in the Parliamentary Secretariat Strategic Development Plan 2012-2014 (SDP), addressing the capacity needs of the Members of Parliament as well as staff, leading to an increased capacity of the Parliament as an institution. Key aspects of these initiatives and activities implemented by the Programme were framed around the support to the revision of the parliamentary Rules of Procedures as the framework for the processes in Parliament and the work of committees and MPs, as well as the development of capacities to meet European standards of gender and human rights and strengthening the legislative and oversight functions of the Parliament. Gender Equality in decision-making – with the Programme support from 2013, several female European MPs visited Moldova to share experiences in enhancing the role of women in the decision-making with women MPs from Moldova. The first regional workshop on “Women’s equal participation in politics” was organized in cooperation with UN Women and OSCE/ODIHR in Moldova. Female MPs from different countries from East and South Eastern Europe received an opportunity and a platform to share experiences and good practices on promoting gender equality in politics, debate on the impact of gender quota and role of women’s cross-party structures (Women’s Caucus) in Parliament.
5 UNDP, Results-Based Management Concepts and Methodology, July 2002
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The Programme ensured a follow up to this ice-breaking event by a series of targeted activities implemented with the Programme support on the female participation in politics and on the role of women in electoral processes, as well as on the role of men in promoting gender equality. These had an impact on the decision by female MPs of all political groups represented in the Parliament, to meet and discuss a common platform for dialogue, as well as opportunities and challenges related to the functioning of such a platform. With the Programme’s assistance, the provision of coordination and administrative support and of the technical international expertise, the Platform was made operational6. However, the party discipline and the centralized system of decision-making in the factions, as well as the tensions between the Parliamentary factions represent real challenges for the effective function of the Women’s Caucus. To address the issue, the Programme joint the efforts with the joint UNDP/UN Women Programme “Women in Politics” and used the various approaches to overcome the political divide within the Women’s Caucus, supporting the Regional Policy Forums with women representing civil society and grass root organizations. On 14 April 2016, the Parliament voted by an almost absolute majority of MPs the Legislative Package 180 introducing a 40% quota for representation of either gender on the candidates’ lists of political parties for Parliamentary and General Local Elections. Women MPs, under the cross- party Women’s Caucus formalized in the Parliament, have been a critical force in ensuring that the gender equality legislation stays on the legislative agenda and the Draft Law 180 receives support by their parties. The approval of legislative package was also the result of advocacy by civil society and international community. The Programme’s efforts on enhancing awareness on gender equality in the Parliament also resulted in the first ever Gender Audit of the Parliament7 . The Audit made possible to assess the effectiveness of the Parliament in mainstreaming gender with regards to ensuring equal participation of women in decision making, consideration of human rights and gender equality principles in public policies and legislation. The audit provided an opportunity for the Parliament’s senior management to clearly identify ways to improve gender equality through legislation at the national level, as well as in the Parliament’s internal workings.
6 http://www.parlament.md/Actualitate/Comunicatedepresa/tabid/90/ContentId/2047/language/ro-RO/Default.aspx 7 http://www.parlament.md/Actualitate/Comunicatedepresa/tabid/90/ContentId/2304/Page/5/language/ro-RO/Default.aspx
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The Gender Audit report outlines the strategies that the Parliament needs to assess how it responds to the need and interests of both men and women in its own structures, operations, methods and work as a core legislative institution. It provides evidence on the status of gender mainstreaming efforts, thereby allowing the Parliament to plan accurately and effectively to fill capacity gaps with regard to gender mainstreaming. The integration of gender equality principles in the legislative process, and work towards mainstreaming gender considerations in all parliamentary activities and processes was addressed through the Gender Equality Action Plan of the Parliament 2015 – 2017, elaborated based on the findings of the Gender Audit, and comprised of 11 strategic directions and 40 actions. The Action Plan is pending formal approval of Permanent Bureau of Parliament. Enhanced knowledge and skills in gender area helped focus the attention of the Parliament to gender-based violence issues, and resulted in the important amendments of the legislation addressing gender based and domestic violence. The Programme implemented the efforts to make responsible committees more open to public, facilitating public consultations on the gender- related legal initiatives. On Human Rights mainstreaming the Parliament has become more knowledgeable in international obligations and best practices on human rights, gender equality, combatting domestic violence, and justice for children and children’s rights. The Programme provided constant support to the Parliament Committee on Human Rights and Interethnic Relations to enhance its capacity to mainstream human rights based approach throughout its work and the work of the Parliament, exercising the oversight function in terms of the implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan of the Republic of Moldova (NHRAP), overseeing the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), working and cooperating with them, scrutinizing the existing legislation and policies in light of international obligations on human rights and gender equality. A Roadmap and Plan of Activities for 2016-2017 to guide the work of the SCHRIR, featuring regular public hearings and field visits had been developed. To boost the capacity of the Parliament Committees and its staff, the Programme also contributed to building the capacities on the international human rights standards, to
12 familiarize the MPs and Committee staff with the reporting cycle under the human rights treaties to help the Parliament to take a stronger role in Republic of Moldova’s reporting. Also, such topics, as gender equality, rights of persons with disabilities to vote and the Parliamentary oversight of the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights were part of the capacity building activities. The cooperation and a dialogue between the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, the Ombudsman’s Office and the Equality Council has been enhanced and strengthened. A series of activities were organized by the Programme, so that members of each institution understand the work and role of each of them, as well as the needs and challenges faced by the others. Additionally, the Programme contributed to strengthening the capacity on international and comparative practice of Parliamentary cooperation with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), in line with the Paris Principles, Belgrade Principles, Council of Europe Parliamentary Resolution 1998 and as such, agreements were reached on the steps to enhance the future cooperation. These round table discussions resulted in enhancing the cooperation between the institutions and reaching agreements on mechanisms and procedures to be improved: annual reports submissions, public hearings, ad-hoc reports, analysis of draft legislation from the human rights perspective and provision of expertise as required; joint initiatives and joint events, for this purpose the institutions also agreed on appointing an officer dedicated to the cooperation and mutual information sharing. In 2014, the Parliament of Moldova ratified the EU-Moldova Association Agreement (AA). The AA places a large emphasize on the approximation and harmonization of the Moldovan legislation to European standards. With the Programme support, the Parliament has continued its ongoing efforts towards enhancing the capacities of the Members of the Parliament and Parliament Secretariat to review and adopt legislation related to EU integration agenda. Based on the findings of the Needs Assessment Report of the Committee on Foreign Policy and European Integration and the Capacity Development Plan developed within the frames of the Programme, the Parliament focused towards enhancing its oversight of the Government’s progress in implementing AA and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), part of EU-Moldova Association Agreement obligations. Additionally, with the Programme’s support, the Parliament has set the principles for functioning of the Parliamentary Council for European Integration8 (PCEI) and started the work towards the functional mechanism for coordination, communication and cooperation between the Parliament and Government, the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee (PAC) and the Parliament. Thus, the institutional coordination and Parliamentary oversight of the legal harmonization with the EU standards was enhanced. The Programme supported this process by means of providing international expertise to enhance the role of the Parliament of Moldova in the European integration process. To facilitate better understanding of Parliament’s role in this context, trainings and information sessions have been organized.
8 http://www.parlament.md/Actualitate/Comunicatedepresa/tabid/90/ContentId/2476/Page/23/language/ro-RO/Default.aspx
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The Programme provided trainings and study visits to Parliaments with recent experience in EU accession. The issue of approximation is extremely relevant to the Moldovan Parliament given Moldova’s reform agenda. This helped to increase the awareness of the participating MPs and staff on the issues and processes related to legal approximation. Being able to discuss directly with those who underwent the same process allowed the MPs to learn best practices, and avoid mistakes. The Programme has also organized inward visits of European parliamentarians and staff to Moldova to share their experiences on EU accession and other parliamentary practices. The project had a significant emphasis on EU integration training with over 176 persons participating in trainings on the role of national parliaments in EU integration process and legal harmonization. The Programme provided a broad range of support to strengthen the oversight functions of Parliament. Initially targeting a few committees, this effort was broadened following the recommendations of the midterm evaluation. This has provided some interested MPs and committee staff with a better understanding on how oversight functions should be carried out. However, the most significant work was done with the committees initially targeted as they received a more complete package of assistance. The issue of corruption constitutes a permanent concern in the Republic of Moldova. To curb corruption, over the last years several anti-corruption laws and policies have been introduced, including on income, asset and conflict of interest disclosure for civil servants, on conflict of interest, a code of conduct of civil servants, on transparency in the decision-making process, on the establishment of the National Integrity Commission, and on stronger sanctions for corruption and illicit enrichment. To strengthen the role of Parliament and parliamentarians in preventing and curbing corruption, the Programme, in partnership with the Committee on National Security, Defence and Public Order, for the first time conducted the Anti-Corruption Self-Assessment of Parliament, using the Anti-Corruption Assessment Toolkit developed by UNDP and the Global Organization of Parliamentarians against Corruption (GOPAC)9. Based on the findings and recommendations of the Anti- corruption self-assessment report, the Anti-Corruption Action Plan of the Parliament (2016-2018) was developed and approved by the Permanent Bureau10. The plan contains 45 initiatives and indicates the division of responsibilities for the implementation of the required actions, their timelines and deadlines. At the same time, the Programme has worked towards improvement of standards of conduct and ethical behavior expected from MPs by developing the first draft Code of Conduct and Ethics for MPs11. The Code provides valuable guidance and direction for MPs in the contributions they make
9 Anti-Corruption Assessment Tool for Parliamentarians, UNDP and GOPAC, 2013, New York. 10 http://www.md.undp.org/content/moldova/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2015/11/20/a-fost-prezentat-planul-de-ac-iuni- pentru-prevenirea-i-lupta-cu-corup-ia-i-codul-de-conduit-i-etic-pentru-deputa-i.html 11 http://www.md.undp.org/content/moldova/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2015/11/20/a-fost-prezentat-planul-de-ac-iuni- pentru-prevenirea-i-lupta-cu-corup-ia-i-codul-de-conduit-i-etic-pentru-deputa-i.html
14 to the Parliament’s functions. It also provides a benchmark against which to judge conduct, and setting out general values and principles. The Code pursues the goal to: ensure openness and accountability required to enhance people’s confidence in the way the MPs carry out their duties; recognize that service in Parliament is a public trust; assist MPs in strengthening the ethical conduct against established norms and benchmarks; strengthen good governance in Moldova and in this way, contribute to Moldova's aspirations towards its rightful place in the community of Parliamentary democracies worldwide and in Europe. The Code of Conduct and Ethics for MPs is currently pending approval of Parliament. Furthermore, the Programme has provided informational and technical support to the Parliament in enhancing its role to fight corruption in the process of joining the Global Organization of Parliamentarians against Corruption (GOPAC). A group of 9 MPs have established the Moldova National Chapter of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption in July 2016. The objective of the Moldova National Chapter is to combat corruption and promote transparency and accountability and to ensure high standards of integrity in the Republic of Moldova. The establishment of the GOPAC Chapter is the first step in the implementation of the Parliament’s Anti-Corruption Action Plan and is a good example of cross-party cooperation in anti- corruption efforts in the Parliament of Moldova. GOPAC Moldova is the 58th national GOPAC Chapter established worldwide and the 7th national chapter in Europe. Although the Programme had the focus to mainstream gender and strengthen human rights, it also provided general institutional and professional capacity building for the MPs and Secretariat staff. The Programme undertook a functional review of the Secretariat and supported the development and implementation of two Strategic Development Plans of the Secretariat of Parliament (2012- 2014; 2017-2019). With the Programme support a set of internal standard operating procedures for the Secretariat and its subdivisions were developed as well as internal regulations and job descriptions for staff. The most important results are summarized in the Table 1.
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Table 1 Results achieved in partnership with the Secretariat of Parliament in the period 2012-2016* A new Regulation for the Secretariat of Parliament Regulations for Secretariat subdivisions and Job Descriptions for staff Standard Operating Procedures for recruitment of staff Standard Operating Procedures for the evaluation of staff performance Concept for monthly Internal News Bulletin and Bi-annual Parliamentary Newsletter Manual on Performance Evaluation for parliamentary staff was developed Concept for Student Internship Programme for final year undergraduate and post-graduate students Methodology for preparing legal opinions on a draft legislation Implementation of Financial Management and Control (MFC) legislation and of the best international standards and practices Induction Training Programme for MPs elected in 2014. Handbook for MPs Functional Review of Secretariat of Parliament Parliamentary Secretariat’s Strategic Development Plan 2017-2019 *All the documents were officially endorsed by the Permanent Bureau
Output 2. Strengthening the legislative and oversight functions of the Parliament The Parliament has improved its capacity to pass the legislation timely and of a better quality. The Programme supported the Parliament in developing a Methodology for preparing legal opinions on a draft legislation, which is serving as a basis for improving the efficiency of the legislative process, such as in-depth analysis of the drafts laws submitted for discussion and in accordance to the Constitution and other legislative acts, therefore Parliament is applying uniformed rules on the preparation and delivery of legal opinions and bills. This Methodology is serving as a toolkit for Standing Committees and the Legal Department, and offers practical guidance for MPs and staff members to scrutinize bills more efficiently, thorough and based on the analysis and evidence. Thus, the Programme’s investments, tools and mechanisms offered became sustainable. To develop the legislative skills and capacities of MPs and staff in the legislative work, the Programme supported a series of activities aimed at introducing the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) ex-ante and ex-post in the Parliament. A Handbook on RIA was introduced to the Parliament, which provides the Parliamentary committees with more effective instruments in scrutinizing the legislation and ensures the sustainability of the investment. The support to strengthening the legislative and oversight functions of the Parliament has been offered to a number of Committees, including the Committee on Human Rights and Inter-Ethnic relations, the Committee on Foreign Policy and European Integration, the Committee on National Security, Defence and Public Order and the Committee on Agriculture and Food Industry. With the Programme support 4 public hearings and 12 fact finding field visits were conducted by these Committees to gather information straight from the source and to interact with the population to get feedback on the important legal initiatives.
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The Parliament, with the Programme’s technical support is increasingly and independently using the oversight tools established, such as public hearings and fact-finding field visits. A Manual providing guidelines on how to prepare and organise Public Hearings in Parliament was developed; a Handbook on Parliamentary oversight of security sector was also developed. The Members of Parliament and Parliamentary staffers, including from Gagauz People’s Assembly were trained on Parliamentary oversight. Thus, the Parliament is addressing in a sustainable manner the progress of the reforms implemented by the Government in financial, social protection, human rights, agriculture, financial, security, education and other areas. The Committees organising public hearings had benefitted from impartial background research notes drafted by the Programme’s experts on the implementation of particular policies and legislation by different state institutions. These documents assisted the MPs in formulating a clearer opinion on the progress achieved by visited institutions and in collecting necessary information to propose informed decisions on relevant legal acts discussed in the Parliament’s Committee and Plenary Sittings. Technical support was provided to the Committee on Budget, Economy and Finance, with the aim to strengthen the role and responsibility of the Parliament in budget oversight, with the provision of expert briefings and trainings to MPs and Parliamentary staff on budgetary techniques and the assessment of impact of budgetary interventions, as well as familiarising them with the international best practice on budgetary techniques, thus enhancing the capacities of the Parliament on the budget oversight. The Programme implemented important initiatives to continue the modernization of the Parliament of Moldova, such as the implementation of the Financial Management and Control (MFC) Legislation and of the related best international standards and practices and in line with the national legislation. The Parliamentary staff has been guided through a process of the internal financial control and management, thus developing capacities to assess the risks associated with the financial management and control. The Committee on National Security, Defence and Public Order conducted with the Programme support public hearings to discuss the implementation of the National Anticorruption Strategy, these hearings were attended by representatives of the National Anti- corruption Centre, Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office, Ministry of Justice, National Integrity Commission, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Economy, Security and Intelligence Service and the Customs Service. The data collected in the report made the debates more focused and prioritized, enhancing the work of the Committee on this important issue. With the Programme support this Committee also organized public hearings to discuss with citizens and representatives of the local governments on the performance of the Police in the fight against crime.
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The Committee on National Security, Defence and Public Order carried out a series of visits to the Border Police Units and the College where new Border Police officers are trained, as well as penitentiary institutions, military and Police units. These visits served for gathering information about practical functioning of the institutions in the field, which established the base line to amend the current legal framework. The Committee on Agriculture and Food Industry has received coaching and support in organizing public hearings, in the North of the country (Edinet) and other in the South (Comrat, Gagauzia), focusing on the situation in the agricultural sector. As a result, the Committee members received feedback on the most pressing problems of farmers and collected proposals for changing relevant legislation. The Committee of Social Protection organized public hearings with representatives of Civil Society on topics towards reforming the pension system and the health system. The Committee on Human Rights with the Programme support organized several visits to cities outside Chisinau, penitentiaries, and organized public hearings to know “in situ” about the human rights information and status of the detainees, the challenges that institutions and citizenry is facing, which helped to enhance the oversight function of the Committee on Human Rights to implement the National Human Rights Action Plan. The activities and initiatives conducted and implemented by the Programme such as: a) capacity building; b) workshops; c) support to the planned public hearings and field visits by the Committees; d) peer-to-peer exchange visits; etc., have strengthened the legislative and oversight functions of the Parliament, with a number of bills proposed by the executive being deeply scrutinized by the Parliament with the use of the developed by the Programme Methodology for preparing legal opinions on a draft legislation, which served as a basis for improving the efficiency of the legislative process and the implementation of newly passed bills being reviewed by committees. Output 3. Fostering the quality of the representative role of the Parliament and promoting more interaction between Members of the Parliament, citizens and civil society Along with the legislative and oversight functions, representation is one of the key functions of Parliament. Citizens have a desire for information and for the influence on the Parliamentary work, for accountability and responsiveness to public concerns and for service delivery to meet their needs. The Programme aimed to strengthen the representation function of the Parliament through expanding its consulting mechanisms and promoting more interaction between MPs and citizens. To bring Members of the Parliament closer to the constituents, the Parliament with the support of the Programme established four Parliamentary Territorial and Information Offices (PTIOs) in Edinet, Orhei, Leova and Comrat12 (Autonomous region of Gagauzia) in 2014. The main goal of the offices was to improve the connection and interaction between MPs and citizens.
12 http://parlament.md/…/18…/Page/0/language/ro-RO/Default.aspx 12 http://www.parlament.md/…/Page/0/language/ro-RO/Default.aspx 12 http://parlament.md/…/18…/Page/0/language/ro-RO/Default.aspx
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The Programme covered the renovation costs of the offices and provided ICT equipment, while the Parliament has assumed all running costs, including the staff salaries. The Parliament’s Secretariat appointed a Coordinator on the Constituency Offices with the primary responsibility of ensuring an efficient implementation of the Constituency Offices’ functions. With the Programme’s support the Standard Operating Procedures for Parliamentary territorial offices were developed, while the staff was trained on constituency relations. The PTIOs were conceptualized as a pilot project to last for two years. In line with the best practices of the project management, the pilot phase of the PTIOs was subject to an evaluation with the objective to identify achievements and gaps in the functioning of these offices, considering the relevance, effectiveness, sustainability, and impact of the PTIOs and identifying the lessons learned and assessing the scope for the continuation/replication of the model or any subsequent adjustment. The overall outcome of this evaluation was as follows:
“PTIOs, in the period 2014 – 2016, demonstrated their usefulness both for citizens and for Members of the Parliament, providing institutional representation of the Parliament and a link between the Parliament and the constituents, giving the necessary support to the population, especially to those living in districts where the offices are located. The relationship between the PTIOs and the Standing Committees should be improved to ensure permanent dialogue between these actors. All PTIOs provide equal access to information and support is given equally to both women and men. The PTIO offices are a very useful tool in promoting the interests of citizens both in the Parliament and in the territory”. Representation has improved through Parliamentary outreach and communication, as well as through increased access with the opening of these four constituent offices. More than 2000 requests from citizens were received by constituency offices’ staff, and many issues raised have been resolved, including through amendments to the legislation. In this context, an example could serve the support provided by PTIO from Leova to solve the problem of people from Sarata Noua (and from other Moldovan districts) who have retired. The PTIO facilitated the contact of local administration with the Members of Parliament. As a result, the Government adopted a decree which puts in place a fair calculation mechanism for those who have no official record of their pension payments13.
13 http://www.eurasia.undp.org/content/rbec/en/home/presscenter/articles/2016/11/22/it-takes-a-village-pensioners-demand-justice- in-moldova.html
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In the period 2014-2016, the PTIOs organized more than 140 visibility events. Over 191 information sessions were organized by PTIOs14 and over 5,500 people attended. More than 5,520 people participated in meetings with the Members of Parliament. Over 5,000 leaflets on the role of the Parliament and its functions were distributed to citizens. The Programme also assisted the Parliament to draft its Communications and Outreach Strategy and in a co-funding exercise with the Dutch Government, provided specialised audio-visual equipment to the Parliament’s Media Centre, including video cameras, PC workstations, professional desktops, and a server for streaming. The provision of the equipment for the Media Centre of the Parliament was a long-term investment that will contribute to a better working environment for the journalists and provide them with modern working tools. As result, it found that conveying the information on the Parliament’s activities improved. The Parliament, with the Programme support, significantly strengthened its capacities to communicate with the external stakeholders and became more accountable to the civil society and general public. A summary of Programme results achieved in partnership with the Secretariat of Parliament can be found in the Table 2.
Table 2 Results achieved in partnership with the Secretariat of Parliament in the period 2012-2016* Concept for monthly Internal News Bulletin and Bi-annual Parliamentary Newsletter Concept for a Media Centre to be housed in the renovated parliamentary premises developed Feasibility study on the possible establishment of Constituency Offices and Roadmap developed Four Parliamentary Territorial and Information Offices opened Endowment of the Parliament’s Media Centre with the modern audio-visual equipment - video cameras, PC workstations, professional desktops, server for streaming and licenses (software applications for video and audio processing) The first Open Doors Days for the citizens in February and in August A new information management system for petitions (E-petition) was developed with Programme support and currently is used by Parliament. Information Security Policy Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Parliamentary Constituency and Information Offices in Moldova
14 Topics covered: The Day of European Languages; PTIO-Parliament of Moldova representation in the territory; Stages of legislative process; The right to vote; Youth first time participation at the elections; 25 years of independency of the Republic of Moldova etc.
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To increase the efficiency of the Parliament to conduct and monitor the management of petitions received from citizens, with the Programme support and technical assistance an information management system for petitions to the Moldovan Parliament (e-petitions) was developed. This information system allows the Parliament to better track the incoming petitions, avoiding errors and providing answers to different categories of citizens in due time. This information system provides the Parliament with the following possibilities: 1) Quickly report statistical data on petitions addressed to Parliament; 2) Keep petitions in digital format, offering a faster analysis and identification of petitions; 3) Use the electronic signature for decisions applied within the system; 4) Advanced notification mechanism, where deadlines to provide clarifications and responses are set; 5) The workflow of documents is faster and cost-effective. After the renovation of the plenary session hall the Parliament with the Programme support organized the first Open Days for citizens. More than 12,000 people visited the Parliament, i.e. students from schools and universities, participated in guided tours15. They had also a possibility to speak to the leadership of the Parliament and MPs addressing various issues and getting more first-hand information about the Parliament’s work. By opening the Parliament for the citizens, the institution increased its visibility and the transparency of its work. On this line, the Programme successfully concluded set of training programmes on the relations with media for MPs, which also developed the skills on coalition building and coalition management. The Parliament with the Programme support is improving the information and accessibility of its webpage16, where data on its activities is offered. A new webpage version is on the final stage and will be launched in a month. The webpage is transforming the work of the Parliament to a more transparent way and offers better and permanent access to information for citizens. The new webpage of Parliament will be better structured, offering to visitors the possibility easier to access the information related to parliament’s activity. Website visitors will have the possibility to comment on materials published by Parliament (bills, press releases, news). The processes related to posting and dissemination of information will be automatized. The new webpage will ensure an automatic interaction with the most popular social networks (Facebook, Twitter). The interface will be intuitive and adaptable to different devices PC, Smartphone, Notebook etc. Website users will have the possibility to subscribe to RSS feeds, allowing users to be notified about new publications. Through a search engine, visitors will be able to quickly access information and documents related on the status of various bills. Programme activities implemented by UNICEF Jointly with UNICEF, a provision of financial assistance was established to the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament with the aim of improving the law-making process, by making it more child rights oriented and raising awareness of MPs on child right issues, and as well improving the external communications abilities of the Deputy Speaker. As a result of these interventions, amendments were made to the Penal Code and Penal Procedures Code, in order to bring them into compliance with the relevant standards – Council of Europe’s Lanzarote Convention – to improve the protection of Moldovan children against sexual abuse and exploitation. Child adoption procedures were also improved to ensure the respect of the primary interest of the child in this
15 http://parlament.md/Actualitate/Noutati/tabid/89/NewsId/1040/Page/0/language/ro-RO/Default.aspx 16 http://www.parlament.md/
21 process. Additionally, amendments to the national legislation were proposed to promote social inclusion of persons with disabilities, including children. The situation of the most vulnerable children was brought to the attention of parliamentarians through the establishment of a discussion platform between representatives of the Parliamentary committees and the Ombudsman institution. UNICEF efforts focused in three key areas: Social Protection, Education, Health and Justice for Children. The Office of the Deputy Speaker of Parliament was supported in promoting children rights into Parliamentary work, as well as in raising general awareness on children rights. Support was also provided to the Office of the Deputy Speaker of Parliament in developing and approving legal initiatives in the area of adoption, prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation and in the initiation of a number of initiatives in the area of Justice for Children. Following EU recommendations, a new law on Ombudsman institution was approved in 2014 with the Programme support. The new structure of the Ombudsman office was discussed with the Ministry of Justice and the Parliamentary Committee on human rights and inter-ethnic relations. UNICEF and the Programme successfully advocated for the independent position of the Ombudsman for Child Rights and closely monitored the selection process. The new Ombudsman office structure was approved by the Parliament and the position of the Ombudsman for Child Rights institutionalized. UNICEF and the Programme provided support to the Ombudsman office on an ongoing basis through capacity development, support to advocacy, legal and communication advice. Another achievement of the Programme in this area was the establishment of a cooperation platform between Parliament, Ombudsman Institution, line ministries and Civil Society to promote quality dialogue and partnership with civil society and to give opportunities to civil society to advocate for child rights. To ensure the sustainability of the platform, capacities of the civil society in the analysis of legal and regulatory documents was strengthened. Civil society groups learned how to protect interests of vulnerable groups taking into consideration budgetary constraints and how to make use of evidence when providing comments to legislative initiatives and documents. The platform contributed to an intensified public dialogue, to a common understanding of problems, and increased Parliament’s accountability and commitment on social issues. Social protection system challenges, on-going reforms and their impact on child wellbeing were discussed with the Committee on Social Protection, Health and Family. As part of the legal and analytical expertise for updating the legislation on child rights protection, UNICEF and the Programme supported the analysis and impact evaluation of the Child and Family Protection Strategy 2014-2020. Analysis and public hearings organized with the participation of the Parliamentary Committee for Social Protection, Health and Family, line ministries, civil society organizations and development partners with regards to the childcare leave for children aged 0-3/ 3-6 years in Moldova, resulted in a firm commitment taken by the Committee and Ministry of Labour, Social Protection and Family to promote reform in this area. Technical support provided to the Committee for Culture, Education, Research, Youth, Sports and Mass-media resulted in improving understanding of the structural reforms in education and of the inclusion of children with disabilities in education. Additional support was provided to the Parliament Committee in developing policy briefs based on evidence through an evaluation of the access to pre-school education services, an analysis of
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Moldova and neighbouring countries’ experience on protection of the education rights of children with disabilities and through an analysis of the mechanism for funding inclusive education. Expert support was provided for the analysis of the draft Code of Education, subsequently approved in 2014. The Programme and UNICEF supported the evaluation of the implementation of the Plan of Action for supporting Roma Population 2011-2015, ensuring the participation of public authorities and of Roma community. Three regional forums were organized to discuss the implementation of the plan. A national round table was organized for the validation of the evaluation findings with the participation of Parliament representatives, Government, Roma CSOs and community. Based on the findings, a new Plan of Action for supporting Roma Population for 2016-2020 was developed by Roma experts in consultation with authorities and Roma community, publicly debated and approved by the Government. Adolescents’ participation in the decision-making process was promoted as well. Adolescents were supported in finding channels to express own views and opinion and provide recommendations to legislation making process. Additional capacity building efforts for adolescents focused on human rights and children rights; relevant national human rights mechanisms; participation; leadership skills; communication/rhetoric skills; research approaches; advocacy; partnerships development; and working with traditional and social media. Public dialogue for promotion of the rights of the child was held with participation of media, private sector, NGO-s and children. It focused on the use of social and school media by children and adolescents for awareness raising on child rights, public social mobilization initiatives, and creation of public private partnerships and production of materials to support public dialogue. The technical support to Parliament on legal and communication issues pertinent to child’s rights helped improve the law-making process, made it more child rights oriented and raised the awareness of the Moldovan Parliamentarians on child rights issues. It also helped improve the external communication of the Deputy Speaker’s office and the dissemination of information through traditional and web-based media contributing to greater awareness and improved dialogue between the general public and decision makers.
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Electoral Component
The Electoral Component of the Democracy Programme built on the results achieved through the first UNDP Electoral Support Programme started in 2008 that focused on institutional and individual capacity building of the CEC, as well as on the support towards improving electoral systems and processes. The Democracy Programme’s Electoral Component continued to assist the CEC in the implementation of the vision described in the Law 101 of 2008, which set out an ambitious programme of automation in the electoral sphere. The Programme provided extensive advisory assistance, software development and IT hardware for the CEC, as well as extensive training and support for the use of the system. Throughout 2013, there have been changes to the institutional support framework to the CEC and the elections area in general. With the closure of USAID funded IFES program in May 2013, UNDP Democracy Programme became the sole provider of the international support to the Central Electoral Commission of Moldova. The Democracy Programme continued to involve all key international development partners in discussions about elections and support to the CEC. The Democracy Program also continued to liaise with the Council of Europe, CoE’s Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR. In March 2014, the Central Electoral Commission identified a number of areas where additional support was required for CEC and other stakeholders to further enhance the quality of the electoral administration and the delivery of elections on various levels. The CEC identified that it needed continued support to embed gender and human rights in the electoral process on a sustainable basis, to further strengthen institutional and human resources capacities of electoral administration on central and territorial levels, to ensure sustainability and maintenance of the future State Register of Voters and to review the concept of the State Automated Information System “Elections” (SAISE). The CEC identified new areas of work, including capacity development on political party finance law implementation and monitoring, institutional strengthening the Center for Continuous Election Training (CCET), support to the development of concepts on the voter lists based on the population registration system and on the ways to improve the data in the population register to meet the needs of the electoral administration and to achieve the lists are accurate and inclusive. An important aspect of this system was linked to the need to support the development of the official address register that would provide unified address data to the CEC, as well as of the population registration system.
Output 1. Capacities of electoral administration on central, territorial and local levels to deliver inclusive and professional elections improved and gender and human rights mainstreamed CEC Institutional Development The Programme supported the CEC to become a stronger and strategically oriented institution, achieving the objectives of its Strategic Development Plans. The quality of the procedures and operations, as well as a much stronger data security policy, have been aligned to the international standards. The Programme worked and supported the CEC staff to develop their capacities through extensive exchange of experience and training programs from regional and European election management bodies. The conducted inward and outward study visits addressed key issues of concern for the CEC, such as voter registration system, communication and elections, gender and human rights in electoral processes, political party finance legislation and reporting mechanism, as well as modern IT tools to prepare and conduct elections.
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Due to the continuous efforts and improvements, the CEC become the first public institution in Moldova certified internationally on two ISO Standards – 9001:2008 on Quality Management and 27001:2013 on Information Security Management17 that demonstrated the institutional accountability and efficiency in managing operational systems and internal procedures. To ensure the sustainability in keeping the high-level standard in management, a team of internal auditors has been created, trained and certified18. ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 27001:2013 certificates Having as a baseline the 2013 Training Needs Assessment carried out with the Programme support, the CEC staff regularly expanded their knowledge of international trends in elections through BRIDGE (Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections) workshops19. As a result, a group of the CEC staff became internationally recognized and accredited BRIDGE facilitators, able to develop comprehensive curriculum and deliver highly professional trainings for strengthening capacities of electoral administration on central, rayon and local levels and ensuring the sustainability in the electoral training. Gender and human rights mainstreaming With the Programme support, in 2013 the CEC became one of the first public institutions in Moldova which conducted a Gender Audit. The implementation of the two-years Gender Action Plan developed based on the Audit’s findings allowed the CEC to improve its internal policies, human resources management and communication guidelines making them gender sensitive. Besides mainstreaming gender in all regulations, strategic documents and decisions, the CEC established explicit requirements for political parties, candidates and other related actors in submitting reports with sex-disaggregated data20. Thereby, the 2015 Local General Elections were the first elections for which the data presented by the local candidates were submitted and available for public in a disaggregated manner. Also, the implementation of the State Automated Information System “Elections” (SAISE) allowed for the first time to gather information on the number of women and men voting at elections, as well as on the elected officials, and increased the CEC possibilities to collect and get disaggregated data from every scrutiny faster and in a more accurate way. To achieve better representation of women in the leadership positions in the lower level EMBs, in all CEC decisions related to the creation of the constituencies, polling stations and lower electoral management bodies has been included a specific provision on respecting the gender equality. The CEC continuously worked on its role-model for promoting gender equality on a global scale. In 2014, UNDP finalized “A Guide for Electoral Management Bodies on Promoting Gender
17 http://cec.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1042&rid=14513&l=ro 18 http://cec.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1042&rid=14513&l=ro 19 BRIDGE is a key component of UNDP electoral assistance worldwide. 20 CEC Decision No. 3267 on approving documents for registration of candidates, requiring sex-disaggregated data http://www.cec.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1001&rid=12766&l=ro
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Equality and Women’s Participation” where the CEC’s work on gender equality and elections was recognized from a global perspective. Supported by the Democracy Programme and “Women in Politics” Programme, in 2016 the CEC took an innovative approach not yet applied elsewhere to present sex-disaggregated data on candidates, elected officials, electoral administrators and voters as a bilingual compilation of 44 infographics - "Gender Equality in Elections in the Republic of Moldova"21. The product was highlighted by the UNDP global webpage as a best practice example and became part of the electoral practitioner’s network ACE Programme22. After this successful effort, the CEC decided to include the graphic representation of data on elections as compulsory in its institutional activity after each election, by this, setting a high-quality standard for other electoral management bodies from the region and globally. The CEC Strategic Development Plan for 2016-201923 contributed to the recognition of the CEC as a regional leader in gender mainstreaming, part of this document being published in a global UNDP online course on gender mainstreaming in electoral management bodies as the best practice example. An impressive way to further enhance the role of women in electoral structures was the support to building up the International Association of Women in Electoral Management (WEM-
21 http://www.realitatea.md/infografic-femei-vs-barba-i-in-procesele-electorale-din-moldova-cate-femei-exista-in-parlament-partide- politice-i-apl_40390.html http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/blog/2016/7/11/We-need-more-women-in-politics-Here-s-how-to-make-quotas-work/ 22 Administration and Cost of Elections Project - http://aceproject.org/ 23 http://www.cec.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1492&rid=17208&l=en&attempt=1
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International, further referred as Association) – a global platform with representatives of 8 countries involved in the process and with the CCET leadership as coordinator. With the official launch of the Association in Chisinau, WEM-International became the first association worldwide representing women leaders of Electoral Management Bodies, aiming at promoting an equal number of women and men in the election administration structures, particularly in senior leadership positions and at the decision-making levels. The initiative of creating the Association has been also actively promoted during international events and workshops24. The Programme contributed to placing human rights aspects and inclusiveness of the electoral processes on the CEC agenda in a consistent manner as major issues to be addressed. The needs of special groups of voters, such as voters with disabilities and vision-impaired voters have been analysed and a number of decisions and measures have been taken to facilitate the independent voting of these voters. The 2015 General Local Elections were the first elections in Moldova where each polling station Sleeves produced for visual impaired voters was equipped with special tools to allow participation of vision-impaired voters. With the Programme support, special sleeves25 (envelopes) for ballot papers were produced to be used by voters with visual impairments, being universal – regardless of the type of elections, with numbers written in Braille script and the opening to mark the ballot with the special stamp26. The procedure was tested during 2014 Parliamentary Elections in 57 polling stations and the feedback from voters was very positive. Moreover, the CEC printed and distributed through the local NGOs (members of the Moldovan Society of the visually impaired) 50 copies of the "Voter’ Guide" in braille language. As result of the Programme’s advocacy and capacity building efforts, the CEC made important steps to its openness for all citizens by equipping the CEC building with facilities for wheelchair users’ access to the CEC’s ground floor, mobilized resources and engaged with the local public administration to build 20 access ramps to the polling stations. As an effort to further facilitate independent voting of wheelchair bound voters, the Programme helped the CEC to equip all polling stations with special voting screens which enabled a secret and accessible voting for people with physical disabilities. During the 2016 Presidential Elections, the CEC ensured translation into sign language in a number of polling stations where voters with hearing disabilities were more registered, and as a result, 116 voters benefited from translation in the first round, and 136 voters in the second round
24 http://cec.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1042&rid=15808&l=ro 25 http://www.cec.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1042&rid=13172&l=ro ; http://www.publika.md/veste-buna-pentru-persoanele-cu- dizabilitati-nevazatorii-vor-putea-vota-fara-insotitori_2329841.html ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wFmwVpOEBY&feature=youtu.be - A methodological film on special sleeve for ballot paper usage 26 http://www.trm.md/ro/electorala-2015/alegatorii-cu-dizabilitati-de-vedere-vor-putea-vota-prin-intermediul-plicului-sablon
27 of elections. All CEC meetings and video spots during election periods have been accompanied with sign language translation, an experience recognized as a best practice in the region27. Requirements for the local public authorities, electoral candidates, civil society and mass-media ensuring the accessibility of persons with disabilities to the electoral processes have been described in a CEC Regulation. The document has been developed with the Programme support and was unanimously voted by the CEC members in 2016. The Regulation provisions stipulated the rights of people with disabilities not only to vote and to be voted, but also to be part of the process as electoral officials and benefit from fair and transparent electoral processes, being in fully compliance with international human rights standards28. During the Programme implementation, the CEC staff enhanced their capacities in the area of rights of voters with mental disabilities based on international standards and practices through regular trainings and thematic workshops. Strengthening capacities on political party finance legislation implementation The effort made by the CEC in the area of political party finance rules, financial monitoring and reporting during 2010 – 201229 led to the adoption by the Parliament of the legal package on political party finance in April 2015. Thus, the CEC received new responsibilities that required strong institutional capacities to be built in order to ensure opportunities, fairness, and the equality of political competition30. With the Programme support, the CEC enhanced the capacities of its personnel and improved the knowledge of political parties’ accountants and treasurers and other stakeholders through trainings, thematic workshops and BRIDGE modules, thus, preparing the strong basis for implementing the provisions of the Law on Political Parties Financing starting from January 201631. Issues related to party financing, public control, transparency, reasonable balance between public and private funding, fair criteria for the distribution of state contributions to parties, and strict rules concerning private donations have been discussed and analyzed during the Programme implementation period32. Based on best international practices and experience33, the CEC with the support of the Programme developed the Regulation on political parties and campaign financing34 and a set of
27 CEC Report on Results of the Presidential Elections 28 http://www.cec.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1070&rid=14181&l=ro 29 Legal package of legislative initiatives can be accessed here: http://parlament.md/ProcesulLegislativ/Proiectedeactelegislative/tabid/61/LegislativId/1850/language/ro-RO/Default.aspx 30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as4j2CqDw3Y - Video reportage on political parties financing 31 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as4j2CqDw3Y - Video reportage on political parties financing 32 Seminar on Political Parties financing http://www.allmoldova.com/ro/news/finantarea-partidelor-politice-discutata-in-cadrul-unui- seminar-organizat-de-cec 33http://www.cec.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1042&rid=14219&l=ro 34 Political parties’ financial reports available online on the CEC website http://www.cec.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1851&l=ro
28 reporting tools35 36. The CEC Regulation clearly established procedures related to the mid-year reporting, annual reporting, particularities of donations and member’s fees, as well as sanctions foreseen by the legislation for non-compliance. The lessons learned after exchange of experience with Electoral Management Body from Lithuania37, helped the CEC to identify a set of financial, legal and IT solutions to better structure and develop the on-line reporting module by ensuring its simple usage, functionality and data exchange with all related Registers and databases, owned by other public institutions. The development of the on-line reporting tool is reflected under the Output 3. Strengthening capacities of Gagauz electoral administration As a result of the Programme’s facilitating role, the 2015 Bashkan (Governor) elections was one of the first instances when CEC Moldova provided direct support, expertise, training and materials to the Gagauz electoral authorities. The Programme contributed to strengthening electoral officials’ capacities through specialized training and exchange of experience related to the preparation and organization of an autonomy’s elections (election observation mission to Aland Islands, Finland38). After ATU Gagauzia Electoral Commission became a permanent electoral body39, the Programme facilitated the consolidation of the previously non-existing collaboration, dialogue and confidence among the CEC Moldova, CCET and Gagauz Electoral Commission. Also, the Programme helped the Gagauz Electoral Commission to conduct the information campaign for 2016 People’s Assembly Elections (first round and second round, as in the Figure 1) and built the capacities of electoral officials through CCET electoral trainings. Eight (8) practical seminars Figure 1. with participation of almost 200 electoral officials from Gagauz Autonomy have been conducted, all participants being intensively trained on the electoral processes, with a due attention to the particularities of the autonomy’s elections (communication in Russian language, customized training materials, Gagauz Electoral Code). More than 70 young voters learned about their rights to vote, voting processes and responsibilities of an Electoral Management Body. The Programme also provided technical assistance for improving procedures, electoral materials and other documents based on the needs identified by the Gagauz Electoral Commission.
35Regulation on Political Parties Finance http://cec.md/files/files/Legi/tabel_regulamente/26.pdf 36 CEC Reporting tools http://www.cec.md/index.php?pag=page&id=1884&l=ro (pt. 24 Annexes) 37 http://www.vrk.lt/en/naujienos/-/content/10180/1/lietuvoje-viesi-crk-delegacija 38 http://www.cec.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1078&rid=14222&l=ro 39 http://gagauzinfo.md/index.php?newsid=19748
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CCET Institutional Development and training of electoral officials In 2011, the CEC has decided to establish a public training institution – Centre for Continuous Electoral Training (CCET) aimed at training electoral officials of all levels, electoral bodies’ staff members, judges, NGOs representatives, electoral observers, mass-media and political parties’ representatives. The establishment of the institution had been supported by USAID-funded IFES Programme, and after its closure in early 2013, the Democracy Programme took over to support the development of the institutional capacities. The Programme efforts were focused on building up a strong training institution with a strategic vision, highly qualified staff and pool of trainers, as well as an innovative approach and methodology to train different target groups in the electoral management using modern adult learning tools. The CCET consolidated its staff capacities and the team of trainers through Training of Trainers, Training of Facilitators activities and BRIDGE workshops40. The internal managerial, financial and procurement processes have been analyzed, improved and continuously strengthened, which made possible the use of HACT41 framework for preparing and training electoral officials at all levels for the 2014 Parliamentary, 2015 General Local and 2016 Presidential Elections. The capacities of the electoral officials and other target groups improved during the trainings and women actively participated at different stages of the electoral processes. In 2014, CCET succeeded to train more than 22,000 persons with the Programme support42
National Training and Certification Program for District Electoral Councils (DEC) and Precinct Electoral Bureaus (PEB) electoral officials – 10,371 people trained (79% women and 21% men) Training of electoral officials and other actors: 175 DEC members (53,71% women and 46,28% men) 7,110 PEB members (83% women and 17% men) 4,571 registrators and SRV operators and Call Center operators (65% women and 35% men) 1,885 political parties’ observers Judges, trainers, first-time voters, accountants and other actors.
In 2015, CCET trained more than 11,000 persons with the Programme support43
40http://www.bridge-project.org/en/ - BRIDGE stands for Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections. It is a modular professional development program with a particular focus on electoral processes. http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1168&l=ro 41 United Nations Harmonized Approach for Cash Transfer. 42 http://cicde.md/media/files/files/9ed51ac356033fbf80e0ff32db9ef5d2_8075470.pdf 43 http://cicde.md/media/files/files/raport_cicde_alg_2015_3516978.pdf - CCET’s activity report
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Training of electoral officials and other actors: 325 DEC II level members (53,37% women and 46,63% men) 2,001 DEC I level members (85,76% women and 14,24% men) 4,453 PEB members (87,24% women and 12,76% men) 659 registrators (87,56% women and 12,44% men) 3,185 operators (65,49% women and 34,51% men) Call center operators, political parties’ observers, judges, accountants, treasurers and other actors.
In 2016, CCET covered with training and electoral assistance more than 12,000 persons with the Programme support44.
Training of electoral officials and other actors: 247 DEC members (49,80% women and 50,20% men) 35 help-line operators (14,3% women and 85,7% men) 35 accountants (85,7% women and 14,3% men) 5,664 PEB members (82,57% women and 17,43% men) 717 registrars of the State Register of Voters learned how to check the voters’ data against the information existing in the State Register of Voters during Election Day (87,3% women, 12,7% men) 239 representatives of all initiative groups of the candidates learned about their roles and responsibilities in qualitatively collecting the signatures and submitting the subscriptions lists (42,26% women and 57,74% men) 4,376 calls to the information help-line out of 9,002 have been registered by women during Election Day on getting information about voting process and other issues (62% women and 38% men) 52 women out of 55 secretaries improved their capacities on responsibilities during electoral processes 19 women out of 30 journalists got a better understanding of the electoral campaigns and state financing of political parties (63% women and 37% men) 1,297 observers and representatives of 2 political candidates (Igor Dodon and Maia Sandu) trained (53,9% women and 46,1% men) 61 DEC members of the Electoral Management Body of Gagauzia trained for People’s Assembly Elections (11,5% women and 88,5% men) 136 PEB members of the Electoral Management Body of Gagauzia trained for People’s Assembly Elections (14,7% women and 85,3% men) 70 youth from Gagauzia have been informed about electoral processes (32,86% men and 67,14% women) In addition, to the electoral trainings, during 2015 – 2016, the CCET designed and conducted two editions of the Civic education campaign “Democracy Can Be Learned”45 focused on first-time voters. Thus, the CCET promoted the profile of an active and involved citizen, the democratic practices and values, methods of active involvement in decision-making in their communities.
44 http://cicde.md/media/files/files/raport_cicde_alg_2015_3516978.pdf - CCET’s activity report 45 http://www.md.undp.org/content/moldova/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2016/03/17/peste-patru-mii-de-elevi-din-republica- moldova-nv-ce-nseamn-democra-ie.html
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The innovative education campaign approach brought short and medium-term advantages to students, teachers and the school administration by focusing all training sessions on exercising the right to express opinion, right to vote and get involved in electoral processes46, aiming at diminishing the low level of interest among youth in politics and elections. The 2015 edition involved 1,017 persons trained (52% girls and 48% boys,) 47 and the 2016 edition – 4,017 persons trained (53,12% girls and 46,88% boys) in total covering participants from 77 national schools. The Programme supported the development of the first CCET Strategic Development Plan for 2016 – 2019 and enhanced its procurement and financial management procedures according to the international standards and in line with national legal framework. The strong leadership and results achieved by the institution led to the recognition of the CCET as a role model for electoral management administrations in the region that showed a high interest in learning from Moldova’s experience. As an important actor, which actively promoted gender equality and human rights in the training curricula and training activities, with the support of the Programme and the “Women in Politics” Programme, the CCET developed a gender sensitive public relations strategy and implemented important activities related to promotion of the institution during 2015 General Local Elections48 49. The Programme helped the CCET in developing and then upgrading an E-Learning Platform to be used and accessed by any interested person in learning and being certified in electoral management. The Platform has around 33 full training courses, which could be accessed in Romanian and Russian, being now more accessible and user-friendly. All training courses have an integrated off- and on-line approach to achieve better and extended effect.50 During the 2016 Presidential Elections campaign, the E-Learning Platform have been accessed by 881 unique visitors, including members of the Precinct Electoral Bureaus opened outside of the country, which indicated first steps for using an efficient, inclusive and no costs distance learning tool on electoral management, being recognized as best practice in the region51 52. In 2016, the CCET trainers also managed to inform and promote among different target groups (electoral officials, judges, secretaries, operators) the opportunity to be certified in the electoral
46 CCET Education campaign “Democracy can be learned” - http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1209&l=ro - http://www.md.undp.org/content/moldova/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2016/03/17/peste-patru-mii-de-elevi-din- republica-moldova-nv-ce-nseamn-democra-ie.html - http://provincial.md/la-raion/democratia-se-invata-de-elevii-din-8-gimnazii-si-licee-ale-raionului-hancesti - https://argumentul.info/2016/03/18/mii-de-elevi-din-r-moldova-invata-ce-inseamna-democratia/ - http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1169&l=ro 47 http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1169&l=ro 48 http://www.noi.md/md/news_id/63495 (“Illumination of Mayoralties”) 49 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDPFmWqe7eU (“Organization of Orchestra”) 50 http://e-learning.cicde.md/ 51 Electoral officials from PEBs Russian Federation benefited from online training using video conference http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1451&l=ro 17 52 Ukraine EMBs interested in CCET best practices and experience http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1353&l=ro
32 area by using the E-Learning Platform. The trained audience covered around 9,000 persons, 1/3 being men and 2/3 women53 54.
53 CCET Activity Report on Trainings conducted for Presidential Elections. Document not available yet online. 54 300 Registrars Trained - http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1374&l=ro - Judges trained on electoral processes and sanctions http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1431&l=ro - An information help-line have been created. During Elections, 9002 calls have been registered. 33% related to voting procedures. 62% of calls received from women. 4623 out of 9002 calls received from citizens. The numbers of calls decreased twice from the first to second round of Elections, and a decrease with 33% from the previous Local General Elections. http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1422&l=ro - http://www.realitatea.md/comisia-electorala-centrala-a-lansat-centrul-de-apel-pentru-perioada-electorala-022-88-01- 01_20889.html - Training for DEC accountants http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1433&l=ro - Training for PEB members of the polling stations opened abroad http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1455&l=ro - 200 trainings for PEB electoral officials http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1468&l=ro - Training for journalists „Mass-media in Elections” http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1149&rid=1332&l=en - CEC Guide for journalists in electoral area - http://www.cec.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1012&rid=16616&l=ro - Training for secretaries of the local councils on their responsibilities related to electoral processes http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1354&l=ro - Training for candidates https://libertv.md/politica/programe-de-instruire-puse-la-dizpozi%C8%9Bia-poten%C5%A3ialilor- concuren%C5%A3i-electorali
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The IT-based Register of Electoral Officials of the CCET was developed and connected to the E- Learning Platform and State Register of Voters during the Programme implementation period. The database was updated with more than 31,000 officials from last elections (2014 – 2016) and is continuously fulfilled with information on electoral officials trained and certified through the E- Learning Platform. This tool helps the CCET and the CEC in collecting and analyzing the information on trained electoral officials and their profile, to increase the pool of highly qualified trainers and well prepared electoral professionals for future electoral exercises.
The Center for Continuous Electoral Training significantly progressed in developing and customizing training materials to strengthen the capacities of the electoral officials to efficiently manage the electoral processes, mainly by planning professionally the training schedule55 56. For the first time in Moldova, the CCET implemented a distance Mentoring Programme on Electoral Training Curriculum Writing, during which 5 highly qualified trainers (all women) strengthened their capacities in developing training courses, thus, enriching with new ideas and topics the CCET E-Learning Platform. Thus, a total of 10 new training curricula, including “Gender and Elections”, “Electoral Dispute Resolution” and “Voter Operations” have been developed, the trainers being further able to develop other training courses on electoral processes without additional guidance and support.57 This type of experimental training Programme with using ICT methodology may further contribute to an improved coverage and may cut costs of training delivery.
55 Training of Trainers on electoral management http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1309&l=ro 56 CCET Training Plan for Presidential Elections http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1178&rid=1489&l=ro 57 By distance Mentoring Programme http://cicde.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1063&rid=1308&l=ro
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As an impact of the extensive assistance of the Programme, the institutional capacities of the CEC and CCET have been strengthened, these institutions being internationally recognized as champions in promoting gender equality and human rights with lots of best practices and good achieved results. The CEC and CCET became regional leaders in using innovative IT tools in elections and inspiring professionals who contributed to the overall strengthening of the transparency and inclusiveness in the Moldovan electoral processes. Public Opinion regarding the CEC According to the key objectives of the CEC Communication Strategy for 2014-2018, aiming at developing and implementing adequate communication policies that would improve CEC relationship with its key external partners and other stakeholders interested in CEC activity, the Programme offered support in conducting public opinion surveys to track the changes in public perceptions about the CEC and the quality of electoral processes, after the 2014 Parliamentary Elections, 2015 General Local Elections and 2016 Presidential Elections. As the main trend, opinion polls confirmed that the elections, the electoral process and elections results continue to provoke certain mistrust among the voters in the Republic of Moldova. The respective attitude is mainly incited by the fact that population considers that results are forged, that citizens are manipulated by the representatives of political parties, do not vote consciously, while members of CEC and of the polling stations are politicized.
The responsibility for unfair elections is attributed, first, to political parties, Government, citizens, followed by CEC and local electoral bodies. The data revealed that people are not pleased with elections’ conduct not because of the technical or administrative issues, which are under the CEC mandate, but mainly because of the unfair conduct of the electoral campaign. Another important point is that the opinion regarding the degree of freedom and correctness of elections depends on whether the respondent voted for a candidate who won the elections, or for
35 a candidate who lost the elections. Overall, 85% of persons who voted for a candidate who won considered that the elections were freely and correctly conducted. Key data from Public Opinion Polls 2014 – 2016 conducted by the Programme
The share of people who considered the elections free and fair: 37% in 2014, 37,8% in 2015 and 55% in 2016; The notoriety of the CEC increased from 83,3% in 2015 to 90 % in 2016. The share of people who considered the CEC an independent and neutral institution increased from 31% in 2014 to 36% in 2016. The share of people who considered that CEC performs its duties rather well increased from 47,9% in 2015 up to 60% in 2016. The participants in the surveys have the highest trust in the results of the local elections, on the second place being placed the results of the Presidential Elections followed by the results of the Parliamentary Elections. The highest level of trust was expressed towards the church, and the lowest – towards the political parties. The CEC is ranked as well-known institution on the third place in 2015 and on the second place in 2016. Almost all the respondents are aware that participation in the elections is important. In 2015, 75% of those who have participated in elections stated that they went to vote because of wishing to change something in the country. In 2016 - 91% of respondents considered that it is important to cast a vote to made a change.
Based on the findings of the surveys, the big challenge for the CEC and CCET will continue to be the increase of institutions’ visibility and outreach to the citizens.
Output 2. Strategic legal framework conducive to trustworthy and transparent electoral process based on official data using modern technological developments The Programme provided substantial support to the CEC and other relevant stakeholders in the establishment of a conducive strategic and legal framework to foster and, ultimately, ensure a trustworthy and transparent electoral process based on official data using modern technological developments. Review of SAISE concept (including electronic/internet voting) As part of the CEC Strategic Development Plan 2016 – 2019 and being legally requested to introduce remote voting procedures by the Law 101, the CEC focused on this issue analysing possibilities for a remote voting tool to be implemented by the next ordinary Parliamentary Elections. As the mechanism of Internet Voting seemed to be the most feasible option, especially for the citizens living abroad, the CEC, supported by the Programme, carried out a Feasibility Study on Internet Voting to initiate the process.
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The recommendations of the Feasibility Study where discussed in a roundtable with the participation of the Parliament, Government and ministries’ representatives, international partners, political parties and civil society. The Study58 was also debated at a conference organized in June 2016. The Study stated that the Republic of Moldova has all the basic preconditions for introducing Internet Voting in the near future, such as (1) well developed Internet infrastructure; (2) high degree of mobile network coverage; (3) good level of public ICT literacy; (4) reliable voters list (SRV); (5) all polling stations equipped with Internet – connected computers that are constantly online and communicating with SAISE.
As the members of the Parliament gave a positive feedback and showed willingness to support the introduction of the remote voting tool of Internet Voting, the development of a set of amendments on introducing a full new chapter on remote voting in the Electoral Code was supported by the Programme in coordination with the CEC. The implementation of the Internet Voting Information System (IVIS) shall be performed after piloting before or during the next ordinary Parliamentary Elections in 2018. The Opinion Poll conducted after Presidential Elections for the CEC showed that if the voting procedure will contain both the possibility to vote at polling stations and via Internet, 16% of the respondents from the country will trust more the results of elections, 28% mention that their trust regarding the elections will remain the same. The inhabitants from Chisinau show more trust than the respondents from the country if such an innovation would be implemented. If online voting would be possible, each fifth respondent from the country declares the fact that he/she would certainly vote.
58 The whole content of the Feasibility Study is available in Romanian and English here: http://www.md.undp.org/content/moldova/en/home/library/effective_governance/feasibility-study-on-internet-voting-for-the-central- electoral-c/
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Development of population registration system concept As the accurate data on voters is highly important for the inclusivity and the transparency of the electoral process, the Programme worked with the Civil Status Service to respond to critical challenges with respect to low quality of data delivered by this state institution into the State Register of Voters (SRV). Supported by the Programme, the Civil Status Service (CSS) developed its first institutional Strategic Development Plan for 2016-2020.59 This mid-term strategic document highlighted the major priorities, such as the reengineering of the business processes and the registration and storage of civil status acts based on a fully electronic information system - Register of Civil Status Acts, which shall be interoperable with other electronic systems and deliver improved and more accurate data to the State Register of Voters. The Programme provided a substantial assistance in training and building capacities of CSS staff on legal framework and interoperability by developing the Concept of the Register of the Civil Status Acts. Currently, the document is analysed by different stakeholders, such as Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, E-Government Centre and State Enterprise “Registru” and shall be approved by the Government of the Republic of Moldova in the following period.
IT Based Register of Civil Status Acts and its interaction with other Registers
59 http://www.stare-civila.gov.md/userFiles/PDS_SSC.pdf
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The Programme actively communicated and worked closely with the CSS management to develop an Implementation Roadmap for the IT System, and to conduct a detailed assessment of the infrastructure, architecture, IT equipment and staff capacity required. Support to comprehensive and inclusive electoral reform The CEC embarked to re-evaluate the Electoral Code. Proposals for improvement of the overall legislative framework for elections have been mainly focused on developing new provisions on implementing Internet Voting System, thus ensuring inclusiveness and accessibility of all categories of voters, including voters in diaspora. Due to preparations of the Presidential Elections, the working group on amending the Electoral Code stopped its activity and restarted the efforts in 2017. The Law 101 - the base structure of SAISE was not addressed in the reporting period due to the political situation in the country and the ad hoc Presidential Elections which left no time for a detailed review of the Law, to be undertaken by the CEC.
Output 3. State IT systems ensure electoral administration in line with strategic and legal framework and modern technological developments on sustainable basis
Ensuring strong electoral administration via CEC State Automated Information System “Elections” In 2008, Moldova established what is referred to as a long term “electoral vision” and formulated this in the Law No.10160 that foresees the full digitalization of its electoral processes based on an integrated IT system which covers and automates the main electoral process elements. In May 2008, the Parliament approved the Law on the creation of the State Automated Information System – Elections (SAISE or the System). With the new legal framework in place, the first version of SAISE was developed in 2010 that was followed by a thorough analysis and feasibility of the System in 2013, with the support of the Programme. For the first time, SAISE was used during the Parliamentary Elections in November 2014. Its performance was not even due to a tremendous system overload, which caused its crash in the first 2 hours after the launch. As a result, some SAISE applications were re-designed while new ones were developed. Thus, the System was re-launched in June 2015 for the General Local Elections and performed impeccably. The usage of SAISE enabled CEC and the respective district and local level electoral commissions to register candidates more efficiently and design ballot papers much faster. They could also use SAISE to identify voters and transmit counting results directly to the CEC - fact that reduced substantially the waiting time for the official announcement of the preliminary results from 24 hours to 3. At the recent Presidential Elections in 2016, SAISE expectations were exceeded: for the first time ever, data about voter turnout was available in real time, for both citizens voting in the country and abroad. Preliminary results were made available in a very detailed form: voters’ profile (gender, age, % of turnout in each locality), candidates’ profile (gender, age, total % of votes in their favor, % of votes per each locality). These statistics were massively broadcasted by most the TV
60 Law on the State Automated Information System for Elections
39 channels on the E-Day. The system was highly appreciated by the observation missions, media, statistics and surveying agencies, and the public (OSCE/ODIHR preliminary findings and conclusions61; EU Observer statements about Presidential Elections62, CIS Election Observation Mission statements about Presidential Elections63).
SAISE helps to increase the accuracy of the electoral process, by providing an electronic track record for each step and reducing the human error to a minimum. As noted by the last Public Opinion Poll on the CEC, performed in November – December 2016, the population’s trust in elections increased by 18% between 2010 (before the SAISE) and 2016, due to the technical advancements. The implementation of SAISE provides a huge step forward for the electronic process of elections management largely contributing to the improvement of data accuracy and transparency, and positioning the CEC of the Republic of Moldova amongst the front line international examples in developing and using modern IT tools for administrating elections. Establishing the Interoperability of SAISE (called “SAISE Admin”) has been another priority of the Programme’s support. The Programme assisted CEC to develop an IT solution able to centralize
61 http://www.cec.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1045&l=ro 62 http://agora.md/stiri/24111/observator-european-alegerile-prezidentiale-din-moldova-au-fost-corecte 63 https://ria.ru/politics/20161031/1480363469.html
40 the management of all existent SAISE applications and ensure a mechanism of their internal and external automatic interoperability with other state registers or public IT Systems bearing relevant voter information data. A highly important outcome of SAISE Admin is the establishment of an independent centralized capacity of the System to manage a sustainable electronic life cycle of any election. SAISE Applications/ Modules The Programme’s support to the CEC IT system was structured to develop long term solutions and systems for the immediate shortcomings or necessities and created a solid and sustainable electronic system with a strong ownership of the CEC.
Developed at full capacity in the period 2013 – 2014, SAISE entails various inter-related IT applications meant to ensure transparency, accuracy and trust in the electoral process. The most important of these applications are the following: 1. The State Register of Voters Module - generates automatically the electoral lists, thus reducing the number of people on the supplementary lists. 2. Signatory Lists Module - collects and analyzes the quantitative and the qualitative data of the signatory lists. 3. Candidate’s Rotation Module - offers disaggregated electronic data about the actual membership in the local, regional and municipal councils. 4. Preliminary Registration Module - the registration platform for voters residing outside the country. 5. Elections Day Module - ensures electronic registration of voters based on each person’s unique IDNP and prevents multiple voting. 6. Ballot Papers Printing Module automatically converts ballot papers into the necessary templates.
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7. Electoral Candidates Module – completes the centralized unique database about the electoral candidates. 8. Check your name on the Voter’s List Module – allows each voter to check the correctness of his/ her data on the respective electoral list being fully accessible on the CEC public website. State Register of Voters In 2014, Central Electoral Commission supported by the Programme created the State Register of Voters (SRV) to enable electronic data exchange with the State Register of Population, thus to exclude many human factor related errors, minimize to the maximum extent possible the presence on the electoral lists of citizens who deceased or who were no longer present in the locality they were listed as living in. Today, the SRV compiles the electoral lists correctly and does not contain errors and duplications in voters’ names. The information is no longer misinterpreted, but is distributed by the electronic module according to well-defined criteria established by law. Applied for the first time at its full capacity in General Local Elections 2015, the State Register of Voters reduced the supplementary voters’ lists by 34 %, and by such, significantly increased voter’s confidence in the electoral process. In the period 2015 – 2016, the Programme supported CEC to enhance SRV with new functionalities that brought about a variety of improvements on the module. The new version of the SRV is now able to generate the profile of each voter, i.e. the historic data on each voter’s change of surname, address, ID card, etc. It can also automatically solve system conflicts related to voter’s status, address, name and surname, rooted in the State Register of Population (the official source of population data). The SRV IT architecture permits internal access to data on out of country voters by means of the “Voter Preliminary Registration” module (used to register the voters living abroad). The restructured SRV enlarges the contribution to the improvement of data accuracy and transparency that is of extreme importance in each and every electoral process. Signatory Lists Module The center peace of the application is the collection and analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data of the signatory lists, i.e. lists of citizens’ name, surname, IDNP, ID codes, and their signatures supporting/ favoring an electoral candidate or the organization of a referendum. A wide range of electronically fixed filters permit an in-depth examination of the data and provide transparent evidence and justification for the CEC’s final conclusion and decision to authenticate a signature list and allow its inclusion in a referendum or candidacy verification process. The application proved its efficiency already in 2016, during the period of CEC verification of the signatory lists collected by the Initiative Group for the organization of a Republican Referendum. The use of the application reduced tremendously the time of CEC verification of the lists and increased the accuracy of the duty, providing an electronic track record for each verification step and reducing the human error to a minimum. Candidate’s Rotation Module This application gives possibility to the CEC to publicly display disaggregated information about the actual membership in the local, regional and municipal councils64. In general terms, the data on CEC webpage presents historical migration of mandates, all candidates with mandates, their
64 http://cec.md/index.php?pag=page&id=1822&l=ro
42 age, gender and political representativeness. This data is frequently addressed and is heavily used by the CSOs, media outlets, political parties, donors active in the area. The proof of its popularity and usefulness is more than 8800 application hits officially registered by the CEC webpage in the last months. Preliminary Registration Module This Module65 permits the CEC to register voters who cast their vote outside of the Republic of Moldova for Parliamentary or Presidential Election scrutiny or a national referendum66. The registration is done in advance of the Election Day. With the help of this application, the CEC presents the information about the number of the officially preliminary registered out of country voters to the Government, so that the Executive has information to decide upon the opening of the polling stations abroad, except for the ones anticipated in diplomatic missions and consular offices. For the last November scrutiny 3,559 voters abroad have filled in their preliminary registration form, as per the official statistics generated automatically by the application. Of course, this is an exceptionally low figure, compared to the last official data (as of 2014) of the National Bureau of Statistics that points 300,000 Moldovans abroad and the Border data that estimates 850,000 Moldovans currently residing abroad. A more intense and insistent promotion of this Module in-between elections and in the permitted electoral period is a major lesson learned after 2016 Presidential Elections. Political Parties Financing Module As per the provisions of the law on political parties financing, adopted on 9 April 2015, and the stipulations of CEC Regulation on electoral campaigns and political parties financing adopted on 23 December 2015, CEC with the Programme support embarked on its new responsibility in relation to campaign and political party financing monitoring. For the purpose of ensuring effective and efficient tracking of reports and reported data submitted by the political parties, but also to safeguard the sustainability of the CEC efforts and the Programme previous support, UNDP and the CEC accomplished the development of the Technical Specifications for the new SAISE application “Political Parties Financing”. The application will exclude any direct contact between the CEC and the political actors that will submit reports electronically with the digital signature infrastructure. While originally it was planned to develop the module by the closure of the Programme, due to unforeseen elections at the end of 2016 that caused heavy time limitations, the IT design and development of the “Political Parties Financing” Module were not fulfilled and remain as one of the CEC priorities for the upcoming period. Strengthening State IT Systems - results achieved in collaboration with other central public institutions In 2015, the Programme started parallel, multilateral processes leading to the modernization of a number of state information systems projected to jointly contribute to a more accurate, transparent and inclusive elections and provide authentic data to the State Register of Voters. The Programme established fruitful collaboration and granted its support to such central public authorities, as E- Government Center, Agency for Land Relations and Cadastre and State Enterprise “Cadastru”, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Justice (Penitentiary Department), and Ministry of Interior.
65 http://www.alegator.md/ 66 http://cec.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1002&rid=546&l=ro , Chapter II, pag.16
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The availability of accurate address data from the State Address Register administered by the State Enterprise “Cadastru” is a cornerstone for a sustainable improvement of the voter registration process. In the past two years, the Programme provided expert advice to the Agency of Land Relations and Cadastre and the State Enterprise “Cadastru” on strategic and conceptual issues regarding the development of a new address system in Moldova. Thus, a number of documents important to the cause have been developed in collaboration with the Beneficiary institutions: 1) draft legal and regulatory framework on the new Address System; 2) draft Users’ Manual on the new Address System; 3) technical specifications for a modern IT System of the State Address Register (ARIS). Following the provisions of these documents, the actual technical design and development of ARIS have just finalized. Furthermore, the new ARIS will permit to improve considerably the address data in the SRV and will ensure that each and every voter is assigned to the right polling station. ARIS is also based on Geospatial Information System (GIS). The availability of this brand new multi-layered feature of ARIS will help CEC to decide correctly on the most suitable and convenient-to-people-location for hosting a polling station in elections.
Under the overall Programme objective to support data exchange among key registers, the Programme initiated its assistance to the E-Government Center of Moldova with description of available data for the data exchange and interoperability framework. The Programme helped to define the first entities and classifiers/ dictionaries used in the process of data exchange and interoperability of state registries and databases. The defined entities and classifiers will be further integrated in a semantic catalogue to be used by ministries and government agencies in exchanging data through the Government Data Exchange and Interoperability Platform MConnect. The Programme also contributed vastly to drafting of a completely new legal and regulatory framework for the implementation of interoperability and for the efficient operation of interoperability platform MConnect, in line with EU legislation and best international practices. The newly developed draft law and the regulations are based on the Belgian Interoperability Framework and Federal Service Bus67,68 concept that is considered to be one of the strongest and most viable example amongst the EU member states.
67 http://www.oracle.com/us/corporate/press/214691 68 http://www.ebizq.net/blogs/soainaction/2011/01/federal_service_bus.php - Federal Service Bus is the title of the interoperability (data exchange) platform in Belgium.
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The support provided to the E- Government Centre in this area is of high importance to the overall success of the Programme results achieved in tandem with other public institutions in terms of IT Systems. Particularly for the Programme, the data exchange and interoperability process encompasses those central IT Systems with an important role as information providers to the State Register of Voters. MConnect, as interoperability platform, serves as the core of the process for re-engineering the public services in the Republic of Moldova, since it enables the streamlined delivery of public services – both for citizens and businesses – as well as the optimization of internal governmental business processes. For the scope of better visualization of MConnect and its features, with the support of the Programme, E-Government Center developed a graphic spot69 with literal explanations to the citizens on the benefits of MConnect and the optimization process of public services using this platform. A recent survey on the potential of MConnect shows an outstanding consideration of the citizens for MConnect need – 88%, which demonstrates the timeliness of the Democracy Programme intervention in this area. The Programme also worked on the establishment of interoperability between SRV and the Penitentiary Department of the Ministry of Justice database with the goal to exchange authentic electronic data for the SRV regarding the people with the right to vote who are in detention. For the 2016 Presidential Elections, the data exchange and interoperability through MConnect has already been applied, thus producing the first tangible result of the Programme cooperation with other Government authorities. State Register of Resource Mobilization of the Ministry of Defense is another product that has been designed and is under current development with the assistance of the Programme. It will enable in the future data exchange and interoperability of the military register with the CEC State Register of Voters. The Programme supported the Ministry of Defense to adjust its existing Register of Resource Mobilization and improve the transfer of source data into the SRV providing more accurate information for a more transparent and more inclusive electoral process. When fully functional, the data exchange and interoperability between the State Register of Resource Mobilization (SRRM) and the SRV will allow electronic access to specific data about military personnel and the polling stations they are assigned to. This would ensure the right to vote in local elections for the military staff.
69 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUQ5NfteN4U
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The current version of the Electoral Code does not provide this right.70 Unforeseen by the beneficiary and by the Programme, and due to a new regulation on secret system security, the company responsible for the development of the SRRM needed a certain level security clearance with the State of Romania and the Republic of Moldova. This process produced a delay of almost 4 months in the successful deployment of the developed IT system.
The feasibility study on the Ministry of Internal Affairs IT Systems relevant for data exchange and interoperability with the CEC SRV has been finalized. This serves as the core document that will help the CEC to integrate accurate electronic data on the voters and will totally exclude paper exchange of data for the SRV, in the future, by contributing also to more inclusive electoral processes in Moldova. Output 4. Public better informed and engaged in electoral processes on central, territorial and local levels Civic education campaigns In 2015, the Programme supported two civil society organisations to implement civic education campaigns “Voter-Targeted Education and Information Campaign “Young People Vote”” implemented by the Institute for Democracy and “Raising ATU Gagauzia citizens interest towards democratic processes, especially towards Bashkan’s elections” implemented by the “Institute for Development and Social Initiative (IDIS) “Viitorul”. The Programme also paid particular attention to engaging specific or vulnerable groups of voters, such as women, people with disabilities, Roma, ethnic and linguistic minorities and youth. The second type of engagement was done through the mobilization of civil society by means of a grant scheme implemented jointly with UN Women/UNDP “Women in Politics” Programme in 2015. The grants had been provided to a number of NGOs on a competitive basis. Under the scheme, the NGO Institute for Democracy implemented “Civic education campaign for ethnic minority groups and people with disabilities in the South of Moldova”. The activities focused on promoting people with disabilities and ethnic minority groups’ participation in General Local Elections 2015; raising awareness on the importance of ethnic minority group’s participation in local elections, boosting the knowledge of people with disabilities and ethnic minority groups on their rights to take part in the political life of the society and methods of protecting these rights.
70 Electoral Code, art.123, http://www.cec.md/files/files/Legi/codul%20electoral.pdf
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NGO Institute for Democracy – interview to local Gagauz media and workshop in Roma realm, village Feropontievca.
A great number of direct and indirect beneficiaries were impacted by the workshops, TV broadcasts, radio-rolls, simulation exercises, distribution materials produced in the framework on this grant Programme71. The Coalition of Community Centers for Access to Information and Training (Consortium of 3 NGOs) implemented “Civic education campaign for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the electoral processes in the framework of the 2015 General Local Elections on 14 June in the Republic of Moldova”.
The Programme concentrated on enhancing the level of inclusion of the disabled people in the electoral processes by promoting an active civic behavior of the disabled people and by increasing the respect to human rights of the disabled people to participate in the electoral and political
71 Some glimpses of local media reflections about the outcomes of this project can be seen on: http://gagauzmedia.md/index.php?newsid=3577, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIoW2BezGr4
47 processes of the Republic of Moldova. The results of the Programme impacted about 592 direct beneficiaries. Public outreach campaigns The Programme supported the CEC and the CCET in organizing large public outreach campaigns for elections organized in 2014, 2015, 2016. The campaigns had corporate, individually designed logos and slogans http://www.voteaza.md/, a various range of general voter education communication materials informing about Elections, update and verification of the voter lists, documents required for voting in the country and abroad, the steps of the voting process, etc.72 With the support of the Programme, CEC developed: a) video and graphic spots73 doubled in sign language, including video spots that display natives of four minority languages – Ukrainian, Gagauz, Bulgarian, Romani; b) audio spots, including those voiced also in four minority languages; c) electronic and social media banners; d) billboards for urban and rural areas; e) various promotion materials. Important materials with electoral content for visually impaired people have been produced, such as Voter’s Guide in Braille language (for both Romanian and Russian speakers), workshops/trainings and information materials74. For the first time ever, the public outreach campaign organized by the CEC and CCET in 2016 had a significant component implemented via social media, with the Programme assistance. All graphics, video, audio and other attributes produced for the large public outreach campaign were promoted on the CEC account on Facebook and Odnoklassniki. A social media cover page with the Presidential Elections slogan and logo was developed, posted and promoted. In 2.5 months of the social media campaign, the number of the CEC official page fans increased with more than 35%. These figures demonstrate a remarkable increase of popularity of the CEC official page and the level of citizens’ trust towards the institution. One of the main scopes followed by the social media campaign was to inspire people, to raise their emotions related to the sense of belonging to the community, to empower them civically and explain the steps they need to do to be part of a democratic electoral process. In both 2015 General Local Elections and in 2016 Presidential Elections, the Programme supported promotion buses used by the CCET mobile teams of trainers to travel to 35 district centers throughout the country to mobilize the general population for exercising each and everyone’s right to vote and to hold Q&A sessions about Elections. As part of this activity, 12,000 citizens (2015) and more than 10,200 citizens (2016) - 55% women and 45% men, 30% young people and 70% from middle aged to elderly, were directly contacted by the CCET trainers. In 2015, the Programme also supported the CEC and ATU Gagauzia Electoral Commission to prepare some voter education and public awareness materials for General Local and Governor (Bashkan) elections.
72 http://voteaza.md/page_materiale_printate.aspx 73 http://voteaza.md/page_video.aspx 74 A range of produced materials can be seen on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXgzs7_mz18&feature=youtu.be – documentary on voting of people with hearing disabilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj7Ej1_jKPI&feature=youtu.be – a methodological and didactic film for TV operators on organizing live broadcasts in sign language. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wFmwVpOEBY&feature=youtu.be - A methodological film on special sleeve for ballot paper usage.
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Positive results about effective electoral public awareness campaigns and communication policies implemented by the CEC with the Programme support have been pointed out through an opinion survey. Tracking the changes in public perception about the CEC and the quality of the general processes conducted, mostly 90% of the 1200 participants of the opinion poll responded that they were very well informed about elections (from TV, internet, advertisements, polling stations, including CCET activities). According to the data collected, the biggest impact was produced by the video spots broadcasted on TV (82%), the messages on posters (65%) and the messages printed out on flyers and distributed to general public (64%)75.
The Grant Programme on CSOs’ monitoring of the parties financing envisaged for 2016 was cancelled by the Programme as a result of a thorough analysis and coordination with the CEC. The first financial reports of the political parties started to be submitted to CEC in early April 2016. CSOs’ monitoring methodology for political parties financing has been developed by the British Embassy funds in the same period of time. According to the Programme’s knowledge, the latter also considered the financing of the CSOs to monitor the first quarterly reports. The Programme involvement in this activity would have duplicated other efforts and would have brought limited results.
75 http://www.cec.md/index.php?pag=news&id=1042&rid=14127&l=ro
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Implementation towards Programme Outputs Parliament Component Outcome: Institutional capacity of the legislative and executive strengthened for the approximation of national legislation with European law Indicators: 1. Degree of improvement in performing Parliament’s legislative and oversight functions 2. Extent to which gender and human rights dimensions are taken up in formal political processes 3. Degree of fulfilment of the representation function by the Parliament OUTPUT TARGETS FOR STATUS OF ACTIVITY RESULTS COMPONENTS INDICATIVE ACTIVITY RESULTS 2012-2016 (as of December 2016) Output 1: Improving the 1.1 There is progress towards 1.1. An inclusive Women’s Caucus in the 1.1 Women’s MPs Dialogue Platform Institutional capacity of the a national follow-up Parliament: (caucus) was established. Parliament to meet mechanism on the - Support to the establishment of the caucus; - The Rules of Procedure for the European Standards of implementation of human - Knowledge sharing activities involving Parliament Women’s Caucus approved gender and human rights. rights related decisions women MPs from abroad; by the Coordination Council. A Roadmap (including ECHR) - Creation of networks between the Women of activities drafted for the Women MPs Baseline: Caucus members and local politicians and caucus; - Parliament of Moldova decision makers; - A Legislative Package introducing a 40% does not play significant - Training on communications for members of quota for representation of either gender role in dealing with the Women Caucus; on the candidates’ lists of political parties human rights and gender; - Trainings on gendered budgeting for the for Parliamentary and local elections absence of a women caucus and for the Committee on approved by Parliament; parliamentary women Budget and Finance (MPs and staff) and for - Gender audit of Parliament conducted; caucus in Moldova. other Parliamentary staffers; - Gender Action Plan of Parliament 2015- - Parliament human - Support the development of a web site for 2018 developed; resource policies need gender-sensitive legislation and governance - Training on scrutiny of legislation from improvement. in Moldova under the umbrella of the gender and human rights perspective Women’s Caucus. provided to MPs and staff; Indicators: - Moldova GOPAC Chapter (anti- 1. Active women’s caucus corruption caucus) was established. Nine exists, or increase in Members of Parliament, representatives activity of caucus that of different political groups, joined the supports legislation for Chapter. A Coordination Council was advancement of established. The secretariat of GOPAC women; Chapter was provided by UNDP; 2. Number of legislative - Women’s MPs Dialogue Platform bills passed with (Parliament Anti-corruption self- gender analysis assessment conducted. Draft Code of increased; Conduct and Ethics for MPs developed; 50
3. Availability and 1.2 Human Rights Committee 1.2. A shared approach to human rights 1.2 The Parliament’s Human Rights implementation of rules conducts 1st hearing with mainstreaming by the Parliament Committee is monitoring the implementation and procedures for the CSO. - Build specific human rights knowledge of the National Human Rights Action Plan. cooperation between among MPs and Parliamentary staff; First hearings were organized in 2014. the Parliamentary - Raising awareness of MPs and the - Amendments to the Penal Code and Advocates and the committees on human rights issues, Penal Procedures Code, to bring them Parliament; including on child rights to oversee policy into compliance with Council of Europe’s 4. Gender analysis carried implementation and create demand for standards Lanzarote Convention – to out on budget and evidence-based policy monitoring and improve the protection of Moldovan Public Review of evaluation, with focus on equity and impact children against sexual abuse and Expenditures process. on the most vulnerable categories of exploitation; population. - Amendments to the national legislation were proposed to promote social inclusion of persons with disabilities; - A discussion platform between representatives of the Parliamentary committees and the Ombudsman institution established; - A cooperation platform between Parliament, Ombudsman Institution, line ministries and Civil Society to promote quality dialogue and partnership with civil society and give opportunity to civil society to promote child rights; 1.3 Human Rights Committee 1.3. High quality cooperation between the 1.3 A new Law on the People’s Advocate holds consultations with Parliamentary Advocates and the Parliament institution approve by Parliament. the Parliamentary - Workshops on European practices - The Law sets the principles of Advocates regarding the Parliament’s work with human cooperation between legislative and rights institutions; Ombudsman and foresees the reporting - Support for developing rules of procedure mechanism; for establishing structural cooperation, - The new Ombudsman office structure between the Parliamentary Advocates and was approved by the Parliament and the the Parliament; position of the Ombudsman for Child - Provide technical assistance and support to Rights institutionalized; the ombudsman for child rights in organizing - The Parliament has become more regular meetings, sessions with MPs from knowledgeable in international relevant commissions to raise their obligations and best practices on human awareness on child rights issues; rights, gender equality, combatting - Study visits of the Committee on Human domestic violence, and justice for Rights and the Committee on National children and children’s rights; Security to Romania and Sweden 51
- Peer-to-peer exchange visits, both mixed (Parliament & CEC) and MPs only organised. 1.4 The Parliament’s Human 1.4. Strengthened Parliamentary oversight on 1.4 The Parliament is increasingly using the Rights Committee is human rights, regarding the implementation of oversight tools (i.e. public hearings, field monitoring the the National Human Rights Action Plan 2011- visits) to assess the progress of the reforms implementation of the 2014 implemented by Government in different National Human Rights - Support the organization of public areas. Action Plan 2011-2014 hearings and other consultative activities - Public hearings on children’s rights for by the Parliamentary Committee on education and ethnic minority’s rights Human Rights and National Minorities were organised; regarding the implementation of the of - The Parliament joined the Working Human Rights commitments Group for development of National Human Rights Action Plans (2012, 2017); - A gap analyses of national legislation on human rights performed. A set of recommendations for adjustment of legislation to international human rights standards was developed and provided to Parliament; - Members of the Committee on Human Rights have enhanced understanding of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and their responsibilities in this regard. - Parliamentary staff trained to analyse draft legislation from gender and human rights perspective 55 staffers (38 women and 17 men); - A Roadmap and Plan of Activities for 2016-2017 to guide the work of the Human Rights Committee, featuring hearings and field visits, have been developed. Output 2. Strengthening 2.1 The Parliament, the 2.1 Strengthened legislative function 2.1 Methodology for preparing legal the legislative and oversight Committees on Human Selected committees receive support from opinions on draft legislation developed and functions of the Parliament. Rights and on Legal Issues, international / national consultants to work with available for the standing committees and has sufficient capacities to its staff and MPs. legal staff. Baseline: scrutinize the proposals and - Drafting of an in-depth report highlighting - A draft of new Parliamentary Rules and - Oversight function not monitor the progress of the lessons learned and best practices to be Procedures produced; executed, not clear the Justice Sector Reform transmitted to the other committees; 52
role of legislature in - Seminars focusing on legislation - 10 training sessions on Legislative providing independent amendment and drafting process in techniques, ex-post impact assessment oversight of executive following the entire committee procedure to of legislation, and management skills branch foster the MPs and staff capacities; provided to 83 MPs and staffers; - Short-term fellowships for limited number of - 12 Public Hearings and fact-funding Indicators: committee or legal staff members. At their missions by Parliament Committees 1. Percentage of return, workshops for the committee facilitated by the Project. legislators/staff trained involved will be organized to transmit their on law-making new skills. techniques, 2.2 Improved legal drafting 2.2 Strengthened oversight mechanisms 2.2. Parliament is increasingly using the procedures and skills of 50 % of professional - Selected committees will be assisted to oversight tools established with the processes in legislative staff analyse, introduce and implement oversight programme’s assistance compliance with the mechanisms; - 4 Workshops for MPs and staff on EU international standards - Plenary hearing will be further encouraged legislation approximation, legislative 2. Quantity of and their organization assists; techniques organized; committees based - Seminars focusing on oversight capacities - 42 newly elected MPs receive an oversight debates and in following the committee procedure to Induction training on law making reports - within the foster the MPs and staff capacities; techniques; selected areas. - Short-term fellowship at the European - A Handbook for the newly elected MPs 3. Degree of Parliament or Belgian Parliament for limited was developed. institutionalization of number of committee or legal staff public hearings. members. At their return, workshops for the 4. Budget Committee committee involved will be organized to conducts hearings transmit their new skills. with executive branch 2.3 Developed MPs and 2.3. Strengthened Parliamentary Oversight on 2.3.15 MPs, 30 parliamentary staffers, 5 to monitor and committees’ oversight the progress and implementation of the Justice from Gagauz People’s Assembly trained on determine if priority capacities of the Moldovan Sector Reform parliamentary oversight of the European allocations achieved Parliament - Workshops and seminars for MPs and staff Integration process in the Republic of planned budgetary on European practices and standards in the Moldova. objectives justice sector; - Committee advisors and consultants 5. Degree of - Support for organizing public hearings with from Legal Department trained on institutionalization of civil society; legislative techniques and EU public hearings - Study visits to Croatia, Lithuania and approximation; 6. Availability of a system Bulgaria. - In partnership with EU Parliament, study to monitor and visits to EU Parliament were organised. evaluate 2.4. The Parliamentary 2.4 Strengthened Parliamentary Oversight on 2.4 The Committee on Economy, Budget implementation of oversight, by the Committee budget implementation and Finance organised public hearings on PSDP on Budget, Economy and - Workshops and seminars for MPs and staff the situation in the banking sector, Finance, on budget on budget techniques; especially of Banca de Economii. implementation is - Workshops and seminars for MPs and staff - The Secretariat has implemented the strengthened on impact assessment; Financial Management and Control 53
- Study visits to Sweden and Poland. (MFC) legislation and best international standards and practices. 2.5 Accountability 2.5 Strengthened Parliamentary Human 2.5 The Project facilitated the development mechanisms ensure Resources management and implementation of two Strategic Plans transparency and legislative - Experts will be recruited to support the (SDP) of Secretariat of Parliament. oversight Parliament in developing the necessary - Functional analyses of Secretariat of documentation as per the Parliament conducted. The final Report recommendations of the EU Twinning approved by the senior management of project on the new framework regulations Parliament; for human resource management; - The development of Job Descriptions for - Technical advice for developing a system staff and Regulation on Secretariat of of expertise provision to MPs; Parliament facilitated; - Parliamentary Development evaluation - The implementation of the first SDP 2012-2014 facilitated. A new Strategic Plan of Secretariat of Parliament 2016- 2019 was finalized and approved by the Standing Bureau of Parliament. Output 3. Fostering the 3.1 Three regional 3.1 Regional Parliamentary Offices established 3.1 Four regional Parliamentary offices quality of the representative parliamentary offices - Design and management of Regional established (Comrat, Leova, Orhei and role of the Parliament and established. Parliamentary Offices system; Edinet) and used by MPs for consultations promoting more interaction - Consensual guidelines - Development of guidelines regarding the with constituents. between Members of the regarding the proper use proper use of Regional Parliamentary - SOPs for Parliamentary constituency Parliament, citizens and of regional parliamentary Offices facilities; offices were developed. 16 civil society. offices facilities designed - Procurement of initial office space and parliamentary staffers trained on and adopted; equipment; and constituency relations; Baseline: - A training for deputies - Training for regional office staff; - More than 2,000 requests from citizens There are weak systems and district staff on - - Strengthening of political parties/ were received by constituency offices’ and processes for constituency relations run Parliamentary groups visibility in the staff. The PCIOs have organized more legislative research and for all involved units and regions; than 140 visibility events; Over 5,000 outreach. persons. Parliamentary - Organizing decentralized public hearings; leaflets on the role of Parliament and its outreach plan within the - The secretariat’s legal, - Organising regional meetings and functions were distributed to citizens. research and committee parliamentary regional consultation of MPs, Ombudsman for Child - Training for deputies and district staff on management as well as offices adopted and Rights with vulnerable children and CSOs constituency relations provided; the MPs legislative supported on child-related priority issues. - The evaluation report on efficiency of analytical skills require PTIOs developed and presented to the improvement parliament senior management. - Very poor relations and 3.2 Expanded public 3.2 Improved mechanisms for external 3.2The Project facilitated the development communication between knowledge about legislative outreach and implementation of a Communication constituents and processes and actions. Strategy of Secretariat of Parliament. parliamentarians Media, CSOs and citizens
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- Oversight function not have open access to - Design, publish and translate a - 24 MPs have fostered their executed, not clear the legislative records and Parliamentary periodical/newsletter to be communication skills and improved their role of legislature in proceedings. distributed inside and outside Parliament; ability to convey core messages via providing independent - Subscribe the centre (Information and media. oversight of executive Analytical Sector/Library) to - Parliament’s transparency has also branch social/economic/political/EU legislation increased through organisation of Open databases and provide training on its Doors Days. More than 12,000 people Indicators: usage, procurement of specialized visited the Parliament and almost 4,000 1. Level of participation literature); people, i.e. students from schools and of citizens in the - Organization of field visits whereby the universities, participated in guided tours. democratic life and Parliament meets with regional/local - E-petition system developed and more active outreach authorities; operational; of MPs outside the - Organization of the Week of the Assembly; - The Parliament of Moldova develops an capital - Organisation of committee-based site visits internal monthly newsletter and an 2. Number of legislators and public hearings in districts on in external Annual Informative Bulletin; that have functioning progress draft legislation; - The capacities of Media Centre legislative presence - Identification and exposure to training strengthened through specialised outside the capital programs for Mass-Media and Public equipment. 3. Number of Relations staff on strategic communications town/village meetings in a Parliamentary context; of legislator and - Training of MPs in media relations; constituents - Dedicated information day and trainings to 4. Systems and strengthen NGOs and the medias' processes for understanding of parliament’s role; legislative research - Media centre equipment. and outreach 3.3 Expanded public 3.3 Parliament started the development of (information, knowledge about legislative the new website. Official launch is dissemination and processes and actions. envisaged by 1st May, 2017. responsiveness to Media, CSOs and citizens - Staff awareness on professional ethics citizen constituents) have open access to increased through training of 95 are put in place. legislative records and staffers on Ethics. proceedings.
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Electoral Component
Outcome: Improved democratic and governance process in the Republic of Moldova through democratic elections that represent the will of the people and which are realised in line with improved legal framework, international commitments and best practices. Indicators: 4. Assessment of elections by independent international election observers; 5. Number of official complaints launched on election administration; 6. Trust in election administration by Moldovan citizens
COMPONENTS OUTPUT TARGETS and INDICATIVE ACTIVITY RESULTS STATUS OF ACTIVITY RESULTS INDICATORS FOR (as of March 2017) Output 1: 1.1. CEC Institutional 1.1. CEC Institutional Development 1.1. CEC Institutional Development Capacities of electoral Development - Gender equality issues promoted - Sex-disaggregated data of 2014 and 2015 administration on central, - Gender equality issues during national and international and 2016 elections are available on EMB territorial and local levels to promoted and advocated by the events; composition, observers, elected officials deliver inclusive and CEC in their work and public - HR trainings and policy dialogue on (results) and voter turnout, and globally professional elections statements; rights of disabled people conducted; promoted as a set of infographics; - best improved and gender and - CEC actively promotes rights of - Staff capacity strengthened through practice human rights disabled people in electoral training programmes, including - WEM-International Association launched mainstreamed; area; BRIDGE, and study visits; and promoted nationally and internationally - The capacity of the CEC staff is - Renewal of ISO certifications is in (India, Jordan); - best practice Baseline: continuously strengthened; place; - CEC Regulation on the accessibility of - CEC Strategic - CEC maintains internal disabled people to electoral processes Development Plan in procedures according to ISO developed and approved by CEC on place and implementation requirements; January 26th 2016; started, review and - Number of training courses - CEC renewed both ISO certifications until adoption of a new plan available; March 2017; - best practice needs to be planned in - Number of electoral - New appointed CEC members improved 2016. administrators and other their capacities through inauguration - CEC Gender Audit stakeholders trainings; completed and Action - trained and certified. - Opinion Poll on CEC image conducted after Plan adopted but further the local general election in 2015 and the results on gender equality Presidential Elections (with data required; disaggregated) - Human rights issues 1.2. Strengthening capacities on 1.2. Strengthening capacities on political 1.2. Strengthening capacities on political party addressed by CEC on ad- political party finance legislation party finance legislation implementation finance legislation implementation hoc basis; implementation - Training on political party finance - Training of political parties’ treasurers - Political party finance - CEC staff processed political legislation for CEC; organized; monitoring by CEC not party finance reports; - Training on political party finance - CEC capacities on monitoring political started; - Political parties able to report in legislation for political parties; parties financing strengthened; line with legal requirements; 56
- Gagauz electoral 1.3. Strengthening capacities of 1.3. Strengthening capacities of Gagauz 1.3. Strengthening capacities of Gagauz authorities have not Gagauz electoral administration electoral administration electoral administration received any capacity - Number of capacity - Trainings and study tours for Gagauz - Meetings for dialogue and collaboration with strengthening support; strengthening events for electoral administrators; the CEC have been conducted and an - CCET established, but Gagauz electoral administrators; atmosphere of exchange of technical not consolidated; - Gagauz Electoral Commission knowledge was established; open for dialogue and - Training for electoral officials for People’s collaboration with CEC and Assembly Elections delivered; other stakeholders; - Electoral materials provided (banner, printings in 2015 and 2016) 1.4. CCET Institutional 1.4. CCET Institutional Development and 1.4. CCET Institutional Development and Development and training and training and certification of electoral training and certification of electoral officials certification of electoral officials officials - CCET’s best practices presented during - CCET becomes a well-known - CCET staff capacity increased through international events (India, Jordan); and respected organisation for trainings; - WEM-International Association launched training electoral officials, pol. - CCET Strategic Development Plan is and promoted; - best practice parties and other clients; developed; - Mentoring Programme for 5 CCET trainers - CCET training materials - Trainers are trained; conducted; - best practice available; - Electoral officials are trained and - Training of Trainers Programme conducted - Number of staff capacity certified; (30 trainers trained; 23 women and 7 men); strengthening events held for - 33 training courses developed and available CCET staff; in Romanian and Russian on E-learning Platform; - 55 secretaries from LPA’s trained on electoral processes (3 men and 52 women); - 30 journalists trained on electoral management and elections (11 men and 19 women); - Around 9,000 people trained for Presidential Elections (1/3 men and 2/3 women) Output 2: 2.1. Review of SAISE concept 2.1. Review of SAISE concept (including 2.1. Review of SAISE concept (including Strategic and legal (including electronic/internet electronic/internet voting) electronic/internet voting) framework conducive to voting) - Workshops on SAISE concept resulting - Feasibility Study on Remote/Internet Voting trustworthy and transparent - New proposal on SRV and other in draft proposals; conducted with international and national electoral process based on SAISE functional block - Expert advice with proposals on further expertise; official data using modern available; steps; - two roundtables conducted on presenting technological - Political agreement to amend Internet Voting concept; developments; the Law 101 on SAISE in place; - The Draft Law with set of amendments to - Number of workshops/events the Electoral Code for including new chapter Baseline: held on SAISE concept revision and provisions on Internet voting developed - SAISE Concept outdated; resulting in revised concept and consulted with CEC members; 57
- Concept on electronic - Number of workshops/events - One comparative analysis of the voting not available; held on electronic voting supplementary lists conducted and - Modern population concept; presented during a roundtable on SAISE registration concept using impact on electoral lists one-registration – multiple 2.2 Development of population 2.2 Development of population 2.2 Development of population registration use and interoperability registration system concept registration system concept system concept not available; - Population registration concept - Workshops resulting in draft proposals; - Strategic Development Plan 2016-2020 for - Electoral Code amended in place; - Expert advice with proposals on further Civil Status Service developed and by Parliament on ad-hoc - Coordination process for steps; approved; basis without consulting adopting population registration - Concept of the IT-based Register of the Civil civil society and electoral in concept among key Status Acts developed and is under professionals; stakeholders in place; consultations with stakeholders and shall be - Number of workshops resulting approved by the Government; in draft proposals; - Implementation Roadmap for the new IT - Strategic expert advice with Register and analysis of the CSS IT proposals on further steps architecture and infrastructure developed available; and approved.
2.3 Support to comprehensive 2.3 Support to comprehensive and 2.3 Support to comprehensive and inclusive and inclusive electoral reform inclusive electoral reform electoral reform - Draft proposals on Electoral - Workshops resulting in draft proposals; - The revision of the Electoral Code has been Code prepared; - Expert advice with proposals on further postponed due to unplanned Presidential - Number of workshops resulting steps; Elections, October 2016 in draft proposals; - Agreed Plan of Actions on further development of electoral and related aspects for Republic of Moldova (revised concept, draft proposals to Electoral Code etc.) Output 3. 3.1. Support to further 3.1. Support to further development of 3.1. Support to further development of SRV State IT systems ensure development of SRV and SAISE SRV and SAISE functional blocks and SAISE functional blocks electoral administration in functional blocks - SRV additional functions available and - SAISE is being re-engineered for central line with strategic and legal - SRV further improved and SRV maintained; self-management of all its applications, and framework and modern maintained under coordinated for internal and external data exchange and technological developments agreement with CEC and on interoperability with other state systems; on a sustainable basis; sustainable basis; - SRV is upgraded with new functionalities; - Number of additional functions - “Rotation” application is developed and fully Baseline: for SRV developed; functional; 58
- SRV solution developed, - SRV registered and recognised - “Signatory lists” is developed and fully but SRV not registered as as official register in the functional; official state register; Republic of Moldova; - “Preliminary registration” application is - Maintenance provisions reviewed and fully functional; for SRV not secured; 3.2. Development of address 3.2. Development of address register 3.2 Development of address register - Draft Technical register - Address register technical specification - Address Registry Strategy and Concept Specifications for - Address register strategy in agreed; paper prepared and approved; Financial control and place; - Address register developed; - Address system legal and regulatory Document Management - Address register technical framework drafted; modules developed, but specifications in place; - Draft proposals on amendments to other technical solutions not - Address register developed; legal acts related to adoption of Address deployed; System Law prepared; - Address register not - Address System User’s Manual drafted; developed - Address Register IT System developed; - Other registers required 3.3 Development of other key 3.3 Development of other key registers 3.3 Development of other key registers for data supply to SRV registers - Technical specifications for other - Technical specifications for the Register of not in place; - Technical specifications for registers agreed; Resource Mobilization (Ministry of Defence) - Interoperability provisions other key registers in place; - Other key registers developed; produced; (Web-services) not - Number of registers developed - Register of Resource Mobilization designed; developed; and number of records in each - Data exchange and interoperability process register; with the Penitentiary Department (Ministry of Justice) implemented 3.4. Support to interoperability 3.4. Support to interoperability with 3.4 Support to interoperability with population with population and voter register population and voter register and voter register - Web-services developed, - Interoperability solutions (web-services) - New legal and regulatory framework on data described and published; defined and developed; exchange and interoperability framework - Data exchange agreements - Data among registers exchanged; through MConnect platform developed; prepared; - Graphic spot on the potential of MConnect - Number of data transfer produced; transactions between different - Survey on MConnect expectations and registers; citizens’ perception of automated data exchange and interoperability conducted. Output 4. 4.1. Voter education and 4.1. Voter education and awareness for 4.1. Voter education and awareness for local Public better informed and awareness for local elections and local elections and Gagauz elections elections and Gagauz elections engaged in electoral Gagauz elections - Strategies for engaging Roma and - Public awareness campaigns implemented, processes on central, - Number of public awareness minorities developed; including voter education TV spots, Radio territorial and local levels; events/materials developed; - Public awareness messages for local spot, promo bus and development of promo - Strategies of engaging Roma and Gagauz elections developed; materials for Parliamentary Elections Baseline: and minorities developed; - Public awareness activities (2014), General Local Elections (2015) and implemented; Presidential Elections (2016).
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- No official strategy for - Public awareness materials for engagement of specific local and Gagauz elections groups of voters (Roma, developed persons with disabilities, 4.2. Political party finance 4.2. Political party finance monitoring by 4.2. Political party finance monitoring by civil minorities) monitoring by civil society civil society society - No specific voter - Reports on political party - Political party finance monitoring - Engagement of civil society in political party education activities finances prepared by CSOs; parameters agreed; finance reporting was cancelled. (The targeting ATU Gagauzia - Reports on political party finance activity merged with outreach activity during - Political parties monitoring prepared. the 2016 uncalled Presidential Elections. To sporadically monitored by mitigate the risk of this situation the program civil society on campaign took the decision to postpone this part as finance expenditures. the election period was not the right time)
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Issues and Risks of Programme
# Output Description of Category Likelihood Countermeasures / Owner Author Date identified/ Status as of Lessons Learned risk (1-Unlikely, Management response January 2017 Updated (External/ 2-Possible; Internal) 3-Likely; 4- Almost Certain) / Impact (1- Minor; 2- Moderate; 3- Major; 4- Severe) 1. En tire Unwillingness to External L: 2 The Programme will engage UNDP, UNDP March 2014/ Risk has not Programme pursue agreed in open discussion with National June 2015 materialised. Programme I: 2 partners on bilateral basis Partners, activities by and in Programme Board. Board Programme Options for continued partners. activities will be presented to Board for approval. 2. Entire Lack of External L: 2 Programme will prioritise UNDP, UNDP October 2014/ Risk has not Programme absorption activities in consultation with National June 2015 materialised. capacity I: 2 partners. Programme will Partners, also discuss with the Board Board on postponement of selected activities. Board will be presented with options for continued activities for approval. 3. Entire Low willingness External L: 3 The Programme will UNDP, UNDP October 2014/ Parliament has been Programme to pursue advocate constantly and National June 2015 fully open to pursue strategic reform I: 3 raise awareness of Partners, strategic reforms. by the stakeholders about the Board The Parliament’s Programme benefits of institutional Secretariat Strategic partners. reforms and capacity Plan 2016-2018 was developments. Programme approved, although management and Board will with some engage in policy dialogue concession – a with selected partners. separate unit for committee staff won’t be introduced.
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4. Output 3 of Parliamentary External L: 2 The Programme will assist UNDP, UNDP September 2014/ COs are fully staffed. the Constituency the Parliament in developing National June 2015 The Programme has Parliament and Information I: 2 a clear SOPs on the Partners hired a team of Component Offices will not functioning of the international and be properly Constituency Offices and local consultants, staffed by the specific job descriptions for who have prepared an inception report Parliament, or the staff. on the Standard will be only used Operational for political Procedures (SOP), campaigning clearly defining the procedures, scope of work etc. The ToRs envisage also CO staff training and a Handbook for MPs on constituency relations. 5. Entire Unplanned External L:2 May divert attention from Programme UNDP October 2014/ This external risk With the still Programme electoral events strategic development goals Executive January 2017. occurred with the unpredictable (extraordinary I: 3: of CEC and CCET. Delays in announcement of situation in Moldova elections) Programme implementation. the unplanned the Programme Reprioritisation of activities Presidential should have a by key partners such as Elections for October contingency plan for a CEC and CCET. 30. Prior to this potential uncalled election, the election. This will help The Programme board will President was to keep the be informed about changing elected by the Programme on track. circumstances. Board will be Parliament since presented with options for 1996. The continued activities for CEC/CCET’s approval. planned activities for 2016 were partly diverted at least for the activities planned for the second half of the year. The activities planned in the first half of the year the reporting timeframe could take place but the planning and the implementation was under time pressure
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and uncertainty. Especially activities connected to the state budget were difficult to plan. The Programme pushed its time frames to be able to implement as many activities and procurement processes before the election period. 6. Entire Lack of External L: 2 Programme will priorities UNDP, UNDP October 2014/ Risk level remains Programme activities Programme absorption activities in consultation with National January 2017 as identified at the need to be planned capacity I: 2 Programme partners. Partners, start of the with back up personal Programme will also discuss Board Programme. due to anticipated with the Board on changes in the IT postponement of selected section as it is activities. Board will be experienced in all presented with options for public institutions in continued activities for Moldova. approval. 7. Entire High staff External L: 2 Encourage staff to stay by UNDP, UNDP October 2014/ Risk level remains For the IT Sector staff Programme turnover advocating national partners National January 2017 as identified at the retention is especially I: 2 to providing interesting and Partners, start of the difficult and well managed work Board Programme Programme activities environment with long term especially for the IT should be planned individual development Sector. with more than one plans, encourage responsible person in Government to budget for eth CEC It retention of core staff, department for back ensure more than one up. person knows each task and functional area, create good archive. 8. Entire Continues External L: 2 Further encourage the UNDP, UNDP January 2017 New Risk: Programme Change of the dialogue of external National Turnover of I: 2 leadership of institutions like Cadastru and Partners, commissioners is a the CEC Civil Status Service with the Board greater risk with CEC leadership to further respect to the highlight the importance. Chairperson due to a possible change of course which would
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have an impact on the Programme. January 2017 The risk was mitigated through a close cooperation with the new CEC leadership and detailed briefings on the situation and a continuous close cooperation with the external agencies. 9. Entire Unwillingness to External L: 2 The Programme will engage UNDP, UNDP October 2014/ Risk has not Programme pursue agreed in open discussion with National January 2017 materialised, but Programme I: 2 Programme partners on Partners, remains ‘possible’ activities by bilateral basis and in Board with ‘moderate Programme Programme board. Board impact. All partners. will be presented with Programme partners options for continued are interested and activities for approval. open to pursue agreed activities. With the intensified dialogue among all external stakeholders the programme works with the risk is kept in clear sight. 10. Outputs 2 Government External L: 3 The Programme board will UNDP, UNDP October 2014/ Not applicable in the and 3 impasse (no be informed about changing National January 2017 current situation, coalition) after I: 2 circumstances. Board will be Partners, RISK Number 1 of next presented with options for Board higher concern in the Parliamentary continued activities for current electoral elections. approval. cycle. 11. Outputs 2 Low willingness External L: 3 The Programme will UNDP, UNDP October 2014/ Risk remains ‘major’ and 3 to pursue advocate constantly and National January 2017 in case proposed strategic reform I: 3 raise awareness of Partners, strategic proposals by the stakeholders about the Board are not adopted by Programme benefits of institutional the Government or partners. reforms and capacity Parliament. There is developments. Programme willingness on the management and board will part of Programme partners to proceed 64
engage in policy dialogue with strategic with selected partners. reforms on technical level but it is connected to the PAR strategy that was only adopted in April 2016 and the implementation methodology is not decided yet. The missing coordination approach by the Government towards the reform is a high risk for the Programme in the case that the Government decides against certain reform steps. The risk is lower as of January 2017 with the implementation of the new Centre for Public Administration Reform headed by Dr. Ciocan the former CEC chairperson. The Government is showing progress in the reform process. 12. Output 1 of Unwillingness to External L: 1 Programme will engage in UNDP, UNDP October 2014/ Risk status revised. the engage with the dialogue with responsible National January 2017 The now permanent I: 2 Electoral Programme by authorities to raise Partners, Electoral Component Gagauz awareness on benefits and Board Commission of ATU electoral advantages for capacity Gagauzia reached administration strengthening. Programme out to the will engage with technical Programme to build level personnel to identify closer thighs with the technical level activities to Programme as well support capacity as with the Central strengthening. Electoral Commission.
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Currently a long- term dialogue is envisaged and generally agreed to adjust the legal frameworks as well as to discuss technical support from the Central Electoral Commission to the Electoral Commission Gagauzia. First meetings took place and the Programme supports the dialogue and an assessment of the current technical needs of the Electoral Commission Gagauzia to implement the People’s Assembly Elections at the end of the year. The Programme and the Gagauz Election Commission are in constant exchange.
New risk: The legal dispute regarding the Gagauz Election law might bring political implications that might have an impact on the technical exchange. 13. Output 2 of Lack of political External L: 3 The Programme will UNDP, UNDP October 2014/ Risk likelihood and the will to implement high level National January 2017 impact remains as implement I: 3 advocacy for start of identified. On
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Electoral comprehensive electoral reform. Programme Partners, technical level, there Component electoral reform; will also discuss with the Board is understanding for Board on postponement of the need of selected activities. Board will comprehensives be presented with options for electoral reform, but continued activities for political support for approval. this activity remains unclear. 14. Output 1 Delays in External L: 1 The Programme will UNDP, UNDP October 2014/ Risk did not and 4 of the adoption of implement high level National January 2017 materialize. The Electoral political party I: 1 advocacy and will also Partners, package has been Component finance discuss with the Board on Board adopted and legislative postponement of selected Programme has package activities. Board will be started planned presented with options for activities. The continued activities for Political Party approval. Finance online reporting module is in the development phase. Update and new risk assessment: Due to the Presidential Election, there were no options for the Programme to support the development of the Online tool and the CEC is financially limited to develop the system. Even though the will and the legislation is there the state did not equip the CEC with the full means to implement the law. 15. Outputs 2 Limited interest External L: 2 Programme will engage in UNDP, UNDP October 2014/ With the further and 3 in cooperation policy dialogue with selected National January 2017 financial support to and exchange I: 3 Programme partners and will Partners, the e-Government of information present overview of benefits Board Center by the World 67
on data of exchange of data for Bank and the interoperability different partners. Board will interoperability law, be presented with options for supported by the continued activities for Programme, being approval. assessed in the government this risk has been lowered but a change in government might bring about changes in the attitude towards reforms. 16. Entire Delays in Internal L: 2 Revision of required Programme UNDP October 2014/ Risk remains as Within the Programme procurement procurements with a view to executive January 2017 identified. procurement process procedures due I: 2 develop and complete the assessment of the to lack of successful procurement offers should only be qualified or actions 30 % on the price and affordable offers 70 on the technical offer as the Programme was forced due to extreme and unrealistic low prices proposed by suppliers to take a company which did not have the best technical review but got the contract due to very low prices. Ethical payment of the people working for these companies should be checked in this context. 17. Entire Risk of Internal L: 1 UNDP holds adequate Programme UNDP October 2014/ Risk remains as Programme inadequate management and executive January 2017 identified. internal control: I: 2 organizational capacity to Management effectively and efficiently organizational achieve the set targets and capacity objectives. 18. Entire Risk of Internal L: 1 The Programme includes Programme UNDP October 2014/ Risk remains as Programme inadequate financing of Programme executive January 2017 identified. internal control: I: 2 Manager and costs for Monitoring and monitoring, quality
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Reporting on assurance and reporting for results the UNDP CO staff with the responsibility for monitoring and reporting of results. 19. Entire Risk of Internal L: 1 UNDP has adequate local Programme UNDP October 2014/ Risk mitigated. The Programme inadequate and corporate auditing and executive January 2017 Programme internal control: I: 2 financial control capacities. undertook a financial audit processes 2012 internal (corporate) audit of its HACT and financial audit showed “internal modality. control controls, governance and risk management processes are adequately established and functioning well”. 20. Entire Risk of Internal L: 1 UNDP has international Programme UNDP October 2014/ Risk remains as Programme inadequate standards capacity and executive July 2016 identified. internal control: I: 2 skills, well established Procurement business processes for procurements. Procurement will be done by UN rules or national procurement in a transparent manner. In all procurement, the Parliament and CEC staff will be involved by in making decision UN experts view will prevail. 21. Entire Risk of Internal L: 1 UNDP has international Programme UNDP October 2014/ Risk remains as Programme corruption standards rules and executive July 2016 identified. I: 4 procedures to ensure maximum impartiality, transparency and accountability, as well as report on and curb any form possible corruption 22. Entire Risk of Internal L: 2 UNDP will employ a National Programme UNDP October 2014/ Risk remains as Programme inadequate and Implementation Mechanism executive July 2016 identified. In the ownership and depends I: 2 for the Programme, whereby reporting period failure to sustain on political National Counterparts are in CEC cost shared results external charge for the Programme 35.000 USD on the factors planning, management and public outreach control. CEC Chairman is campaign for the co-chairs of the Programme Presidential board and all national Elections. Also, the partners will be invited to join Civil Status Service, 69 the Programme board to as well as Cadastru ensure that intervention prepare for cost assistance is assimilated sharing agreements and integrated into existing to have ownership of organizational and functional the process as well structures of the CEC and as to prepare future other stakeholders budgets in accordance with their needs.
Risk update: The CEC is in full control of the planning and strategic direction of the Programme within the Programme framework.
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Sustainability of the activities implemented
Parliament Component
Output 1. Improving the Institutional capacity of the Parliament to meet European Standards of gender and human rights Although the Programme was designed to primarily improve the work of Parliament related to human rights and gender, it provided a much broader range of capacity building activities that helped to strengthen the institutional structures of the Secretariat and the professional expertise and knowledge for its staff and Members of Parliament. With the Programme’s support the Parliament increased its capacities on EU approximation, gender equity, child rights and anticorruption. It also successfully supported the creation of a Women’s Caucus and a Moldovan chapter of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC). The Moldovan GOPAC Chapter raises the anticorruption profile within Parliament of Moldova. There is possibility for former and current MPs to join the Chapter, currently composed from MPs from different political groups. Within the framework of the new Parliament Project (launched in July 2016), this result will be further developed to ensure sustainability and effectiveness of the effort. Building the institutional memory of Parliament, through continued focus on developing standard operating tools and guidelines for parliamentary oversight, human resources management, constituency relations etc. has helped to lay the foundation for sustainable outcomes. Moreover, with the Programme’s support, the Parliament of Moldova is prioritizing its own development agenda, thus the Parliament approved several Action Plans on different areas of its work (Human Rights, Gender, Anti-Corruption) and Strategic Development Plans. Following recommendations of the Functional Review Report, the institutional structure of the Secretariat of Parliament was revised, being completed with special units for legal harmonisation, strategic planning and internal audit. More staff was allocated for human resources management, communication, ICT and parliamentary research. The staff turnover within the Secretariat of Parliament is significantly low (less than 2% annually) comparing to other state institutions. The Parliament is an attractive institution capable to retain people, thus improving the capacities of parliamentary staff through specialised trainings to a large extend proves to be sustainable. Output 2. Strengthening the legislative and oversight functions of the Parliament The Programme supported the Parliament in developing a Methodology for preparing legal opinions on a draft legislation, which is serving as a basis for improving the efficiency of the legislative process, such as in-depth analysis of the drafts laws submitted for discussion and in accordance to Constitution and other legislative acts, therefore Parliament is applying uniformed rules on the preparation and delivery of legal opinions and bills. The Methodology is serving as a toolkit for Standing Committees and the Legal Department, and offers practical guidance for MPs and staff members to scrutinize bills more efficiently, thorough and based on analysis and evidence. This result of Programme investments, tools and mechanisms offered, the Parliament’s oversight function became sustainable.
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The Parliament, with the Programme’s technical support is increasingly and independently using the oversight tools established, such as public hearings and fact-finding field visits. The number of questions for budget, human rights, national security, foreign affairs and agriculture addressed by some parliamentary committees to Ministries and state institutions increased, during the reporting period. If continued, these types of efforts the effectiveness of Parliament’s legislative and oversight efforts should substantially increase and eventually increase the accountability of the executive. Output 3. Fostering the quality of the representative role of the Parliament and promoting more interaction between Members of the Parliament, citizens and civil society The development of four Parliamentary Constituency Outreach Offices (PCIOs) under the project created a useful tool for MPs’ and parliamentary outreach. These were used by other projects, and other development partners, and supported public hearings and meetings with constituents. The endowment of Parliament with audio-visual equipment makes the legislative a first source of information through the live streaming of sessions. The Information and Visitor’s Centre, introduced with programme support, opened the Parliament to more than 12.000 people. The number of visitors per year is still growing. The project supported the development of an external, annual newsletter "Parliament INFO". The last one was released in February 2017. This proves the sustainability and level of commitment to the effort. To increase the efficiency of the Parliament to conduct and monitor the management of petitions received from citizens, with the Programme’s support and technical assistance an information management system for petitions to the Moldovan Parliament (e-petitions) was developed. The system is efficiently used by Parliament, allowing the Parliament to better track the incoming petitions, avoid errors and provide answers to different categories of citizens in due time.
Electoral Component
Output 1. Capacities of electoral administration on central, territorial and local levels to deliver inclusive and professional elections improved and gender and human rights mainstreamed. The Program designed all activities in a highly participative way and the CEC as well as CCET actively took part in the different steps to improve the internal capacities during the Programme period. CEC and CCET staff members were trained on the different activities prior to elections and implemented the required steps of the last electoral cycles without direct involvement of the program. The online training and the large training database allows for a strong electoral administration on central, territorial and local level as was demonstrated in the last 3 electoral cycles. Training capacities are at the best practice level and the CCET shares its knowledge with neighboring countries. Due to the solid strategic base of the CCET and the diverse training services available they became the “go to “institution on electoral training and benefit from foreign support. The CEC also advanced in the recent years with the support of the Programme to the regional champion in Electronic Election Management and made great progress in gender and human rights mainstreaming with the provision of detailed sex disaggregated data and the implementation
72 of the Regulation on accessibility of people with disabilities to the electoral processes. The Programme’s support was based on the detailed CEC Strategic Plan for 2012-2015 and 2016- 2019. All gender and human rights initiatives, gender audit, the regulation on the rights for people with disabilities, sex disaggregated data were initiated by the CEC as an institution and supported by the Programme whereby the focus lay on the developed of CEC own policies in these areas. The ownership of these processes lies with the institution that created a demand for data and provides the highest level of data in support of a more transparent and inclusive electoral process. The CEC is recognized for its detailed and transparent supply of information. The CEC became an important National Institution and the advantages of the electronic system are recognized by the population and the Government which will in the long run secure funds for further developments of the system and a stable functioning of the institution. The CEC took the lead in the area of political party finance regulations after a short period of support and introduction to the topic, as well as some training assistance for staff members. As the topic of political party finance became more complex with the CEC being the only responsible institution to monitor and control the allocation of state funds to political parties, the CEC will need more support to address all pending issues in the coming years. Especially, the development of a IT based reporting and disclosure tool will still need external support. The knowledge products developed under the Programme, as well as the institutional ownership of the capacity building during the Programme cycle provide for a high level of sustainability. The high level of ownership sets s a high mark for sustainability as well as the fact that the Programme based it work and activities on the CEC Strategic Plan. New areas of engagement like political party finance are limited in their sustainability due to a prevailing lack of knowledge and capacity within the institution further support is needed. Output 2. Strategic legal framework conducive to trustworthy and transparent electoral process based on official data using modern technological developments SAISE needed to be re-evaluated considering the development of concepts for population registration system, interoperability with other key registers (Address Register etc.), the State Register of Voters and other CEC priorities. The Programme assisted the CEC and other stakeholders to review and, as required, revise the SAISE concept in uniformity and coordination with the development of a new population registration concept, considering Government’s interoperability platform as well as other developments such as M-Sign, M-Pass to ensure integrated public services among institutions and additional benefits to the citizens of Moldova. As the review of the SAISE concept was done in house, the CEC IT department was greatly involved in the work and through this direct involvement lasting capacities are build. The new concepts developed with the Civil Status Service (Business Analysis and Technical Concept) and the SE “Cadastru” (New Address Concept and Address Law) are based on the situation and the needs of the Agencies and were accomplished with a high degree of ownership. The analysis and development of a larger concept of population registration created a detailed understanding of the tasks at hand among all members of the CEC, CCET and population registration agencies which allowed for strong advocacy work during the Programme period. The understanding reached stared a reform process that is carried by demand and will be sustainable due to public awareness. At the same time, it should be mentioned that the sustainability of the interventions also depends on the further development of the and implementation of the developed concepts, especially with respect to the population registration agencies. Here more support is required financially and
73 technically to all involved institutions, including the CEC. It also should be mentioned that the sustainability of these interventions also depends on the mitigation of certain Programme risks. As the Government put the interoperability of information and the public administration reform on its agenda, significantly lowering a risk factor of the current and future projects in this respect, the sustainability level of these intervention became higher. With respect to e-voting, the Programme supported the CEC in commissioning a Feasibility Study on Internet voting, as well as a first draft of a possible new legal framework for this voting process. The ownership of this process lies entirely with the CEC, being well informed and determined to develop the pilot for the 2018 election cycle. At the same time, the CEC will require further technical and financial support to undertake this exercise, which will bring considerable electoral improvement with respect to inclusivity of the process. Similar to the area of political party finance, new fields of engagement will require further support to become institutionally sustainable. New areas of engagement, such as population registration concepts and e-voting have a high level of ownership, but are limited in their sustainability due to financial and knowledge limitations. Further support is needed. Output 3. State IT systems ensure electoral administration in line with strategic and legal framework and modern technological developments on sustainable basis After the 2014 Parliamentary Elections, to ensure a successful roll-out of the SRV for 2015 General Local Elections, the CEC required additional support to strengthen its IT division capacities to manage and maintain the new system during the voter list preparation periods and elections. Key trainings and support enhanced the limited IT staff abilities to design, prepare and implement special training materials and training programmes on SRV for the electoral administrators at all levels and to additionally develop the SRV based on results and lessons learned during the electoral cycles. The CEC IT Department is fully capable and in charge of the SAISE. New developments require some outside support but the System itself is entirely led by the CEC which received ISO certification in 2015 and 2016 for the set-up of the data security system. During the Programme cycle UNDP contributed to build in house capacities through two UNDP IT specialists situated with the CEC IT Department sharing knowledge and building capacities on a day to day level through a whole election cycle, creating a sustainable knowledge base within the CEC. The interventions with the SE “Cadastru” on the Address Law and Register was based on a high degree of ownership from the “Cadastru” side ensuring that the Law and Register are developed and fully fits the needs. As the SE Cadastru IT Department is fully involved in the process and highly capable, the new Address Register will be sustainable and be further developed in house as needed with financial means foreseen for this undertaking in the agencies’ budget. Other IT Registers the Programme supported to improve the SRV, such as the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defense have less sustainability, due to a higher financial and capacity risk on the constant update and maintenance of the new interoperable system. With the support of the Programme on the new interoperability Law as an intrinsic element for the future interoperability of the public administration system and the new Government focus on interoperability the possibility for long term sustainability became higher for the Ministry of Justice and Defense as they will be able to get support from the E-Government Center. The sustainability of these interventions does also depend on the mitigation of certain Programme risks. As the Government put the interoperability of information and the public administration
74 reform on its agenda, significantly lowering a risk factor of the current and future projects in this respect, the sustainability level of these intervention became higher. High level of sustainability for the SAISE within the CEC and the new Address Register run by SE “Cadastru” due to the ownership and capacity built to further develop the systems. The new Interoperability Law and Government focus on interoperability increased the sustainability level of the all interventions and especially the improvement and connection of ministerial registers. Output 4. Public better informed and engaged in electoral processes on central, territorial and local levels. Civic education and a large scale public information were and are parts of the CEC Strategic Plan but could not be realized due to the ongoing electoral cycle from 2013 to 2016. During all electoral cycles, the CEC in cooperation with CCET, implemented the voter information /voter education campaigns. The campaign activities are planned, led and coordinated by the CEC Communication Department and necessary trainings are planned and conducted by the CCET. During the Programme period, a very good communication was built up between the CEC/CCET and the civil society groups, activists and organizations which support the CEC/CCET in transporting messages and knowledge to the public. As one cannot speak of sustainably of voter information in the politically fast changing environment, one can speak of a clear sustainability of the capacities established in the CEC and CCET and established and extended cooperative networks with the civil society which in the long run will support the ability of the CEC/CCET to share information in a fast and wide spread manner. The same is true for the awareness raising efforts in ATU Gagauzia. The Programme supported a voter information campaign, but the sustainability could not be guaranteed in terms of creating standard knowledge among the population. The changing environment of the Gagauz Election Commission becoming permanent and the election legislation being challenged in Court does not allow for a sustainable information transfer to the voters. Nevertheless, the existing exchange mechanisms between the Election Commission of Gagauzia and the CEC/CCET are frequently used and in the long run a transfer of knowledge to the Gagauz Election Commission will take place and create a strong corner stone for the establishment of a sustainable public information strategy. A medium level of sustainability was accomplished by the Programme through an increased CEC/CCET capacity to plan and implement voter education campaigns. However, the creation of a solid and permanent knowledge base within the population is at the incipient phase.
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Lessons Learned Overall, the lessons learned throughout the lifespan period of the Democracy Programme, are outlined as follows: 1. The Programme approach in the work with the Parliament and the Central Electoral Commission has proved to have several advantages. Both institutions have benefitted from (foreign) expertise, organized by the Programme, sometimes with joint and sometimes with separate activities. The two joint study visits in 2013 (to Austria and Sweden) of mixed delegations from Members of Parliament and members of the CEC have increased the contacts and the cooperation between the two institutions. 2. Since the start of the Programme in 2012, the modality for study visits has evolved. Besides only offering out-bound study tours, the Programme now also offers in-bound study visits by experts and MPs from European Electoral Management Bodies and Parliaments to Moldova. This has been well appreciated by the beneficiaries and provides for both broader and deeper learning in the institutions with staff having the opportunity for detailed work on key issues, and for staff who do not normally travel having the opportunity to benefit from the sharing of experience and knowledge. Similarly, when delegations do travel, the most successful visits have been those made by small and focused groups that are engaged in a common topic. 3. The Programme teams located in separate offices at the relevant institutions made a close cooperation on day to day programmatic issues complicated and hampered a more coordinated and overall integrated approach of the program to the improvement of the Democracy in Moldova. A more integrated team with a Programme Lead would have led to a more integrated approach of the Programme. 4. As the Electoral Component was expanded in 2014 addressing the needs of a wider range of beneficiaries, the management of the joint Programme became more complex and challenging, and it became necessary to focus more on the Components rather than on the Programme approach. Parliament Component 1. Supporting the Parliament to prioritize its efforts and undertake strategic planning helps the institution to make the best use of resources when state budget is tight. 2. The public hearings and fact-finding field visits organized by the Standing Committees with the Programme Support, proofed to be the right tools to gather information “in situ” in order for the relevant Committees to discuss and promote improvements to the relevant legislation. 3. The creation of a cross-party women caucus is a long-lasting effort that required political stability. 4. Linking the Parliament to global network, such as GOPAC, provided a framework for Members of Parliament that helps sustain their efforts in the fight against corruption; 5. The methodology developed by the Programme to prepare legal opinions on a draft legislation is serving as a toolkit for Standing Committees and the legal department, which improved the efficiency of the legislative process.
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6. Representation of the Parliament has been improved through parliamentary outreach and communication, as well as through increased access to the citizens with the opening of four Parliamentary Territorial and Information Offices. 7. Due to close cooperation of the Programme with other UN agencies (UN Women, UNICEF), gender and human rights consideration have received significant attention in the work of the Parliament. 8. The modality of the peer-to-peer exchange has progressed. The Programme established a system of providing technical expertise with in-bound visits by experts and MPs from European national Parliaments to Moldova sharing knowledge and expertise, thus increasing the capacity of the Members of Parliament, Standing Committee members and staff members. Electoral Component 1. A significant progress in the voter registration process requires clarification of legislative framework, as well as commitment of key external stakeholders to implement it. Only in case there would be the full political commitment to enhance legislative framework and sufficient financial resources an improved population registration processes can yield better voter lists and the increased trust in elections 2. Addressing problems holistically may take more time and effort, but result in more durable institutional solutions that will provide a greater impact than piece meal solutions 3. Supporting institutions to prioritize their efforts and undertake strategic planning can help these institutions to make the best use of their resources when state budgets are tight. 4. For the IT in public sector staff retention is especially difficult and the issue that is systemic rather than pertinent only to CEC shall be resolved by specific remuneration schemes. 5. With the still unpredictable situation in Moldova the development assistance offered shall have a sufficient room for flexibility to respond to the emerging needs and can review the activities in the context of unforeseen electoral events.
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Annexes
Provisional expenses by Programme outputs
Financial information
Democracy Programme
Years 2012 – 2016 all amounts in USD
Contributions Year Donor Expenses Component Output ID received
Government of Sweden 339,998 109,685 Parliament 00071949 UNDP 63,468 63,450 Parliament 00071949 2012 Government of Denmark 777,137 660,300 Parliament 00071949 Government of Sweden 541,059 188,077 Elections 00083338 Government of Sweden 503,323 337,718 Parliament 00071949 UNDP 6,121 6,121 Parliament 00071949 2013 Government of Denmark 476,570 460,944 Parliament 00071949 Government of Sweden 711,190 660,159 Elections 00083338 USAID 28,240 28,240 Elections 00083338 Government of Sweden 764,102 838,656 Parliament 00071949 Government of Netherlands 40,003 36,978 Parliament 00071949 Government of Denmark - 15,587 Parliament 00071949 Government of Sweden 188,281 592,294 Elections 00083338 2014 Government of Norway 323,801 320,528 Elections 00083338 CEC 153,119 152,280 Elections 00083338 Government of Sweden 701,894 - Elections II 00091532 Government of Norway 867,115 144,379 Elections II 00091532 Government of Sweden 1,067,831 808,069 Parliament 00071949 Government of Netherlands - 2,957 Parliament 00071949 2015 Government of Sweden 562,197 909,818 Elections II 00091532 Government of Norway 524,535 Elections II 00091532 CEC 9,145 9,145 Elections II 00091532
Government of Sweden - 566,388 Parliament 00071949 UNDP 95,000 95,000 Elections II 00091532 2016 Government of Sweden 91,014 385,114 Elections II 00091532 Government of Norway 418,258 475,133 Elections II 00091532 CEC 37,706 37,706 Elections II 00091532 Total 8,766,573 8,429,261
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Parliament Component
List of Consultants 2012-2016
No. Name Title Timeframe 1. Ion Amarfii Provision of assistance to the Parliament of Moldova in 11 July 2012-31 October the implementation of Information Management System 2012 Strategy 2011-2015 (ICT Strategy). 2. Viorica Antonov Consultant to develop a long-term (6-9 month) 17 May -30 August 2012 Parliamentary Internship Programme. 3. Ion Axenti Editing Services 4-11 May 2012 4. Svetlana Cojocari Trainer on human resources management with the 7 May -14 December focus on job descriptions and performance evaluation. 2012 5. Liuba Cuznetova Consultant to make a feasibility study on establishing 19 October -10 constituency offices for Members of Parliament in December 2012 Moldova 6. Carl De Faria Consultant to support the Parliament of Moldova in 5 October-10 December drafting Rules of Procedures. 2012 7. Franklin De Vrieze Consultant to develop Standing Operational 22 February -2 July Procedures (SOP) for the Parliament of Moldova, 2012 8. Franklin De Vrieze Consultant to make a feasibility study on establishing 28 September -10 constituency offices for Members of Parliament of December 2012 Moldova. 9. Eduard Fricatel Consultant to develop a draft regulation of Parliament’s Secretariat, concerning its structure and functions, 7 June -31 July 2012 based on EU/international best practices. 10. Inga Burlacu National consultant to develop Parliament of Moldova’s 6 April -1 June 2012 News Bulletin and Newsletter 11. Jens Adser Expert in a 1-day training to staffers of the Parliament Sorensen of Moldova on Human Resources management with 7 May - 18 May 2012 the focus on job descriptions and performance evaluation 12. Ludmila Esanu Development of Standing Operational Procedures 27 February -17 April (SOP) for the Parliament of Moldova 2012 13. Luis Moratinos Consultant to review the legislation regulating the 21 September -20 Munez Parliament of Moldova oversight mechanisms of the December 2012 security sector 14. Robert Nakamura Consultant for mid-term evaluation of the Programme 3 October -10 December “Support to Parliamentary Development in Moldova”. 2012 15. Petrus van Geel Consultant to prepare, conduct and participate as expert in a seminar on Coalition Building and Coalition 3 May -15 June 2012 Management 16. Petra Blaess- Provision of a two-day training to staffers of the 6 February-20 February Rafajlovski Parliament of Moldova on principles, mechanisms and 2012 tools of parliamentary oversight
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17. Iurie Pintea Review of the legislation regulating the Parliament of 21 September-15 Moldova oversight mechanisms of the security sector. December 2012 18. Viorel Pirvan Carry out a comprehensive assessment of the existing legal framework regulating the organization of Public 11 May-29 June 2012 Hearings by Parliament 19. Viorel Pirvan Review the existing parliamentary rules and 13 August -10 procedures and developing a new version of December 2012 Parliament of Moldova Rules of Procedure 20. Nicolae Posturusu Develop a Handbook on parliamentary oversight for 13 August-5 November members of parliamentary Committee on national 2012 security, defence and public order 21. Gruber Reinhold Develop a comprehensive concept of Parliament of 6 July -31 October 2012 Moldova Media Centre Developing internal regulations of the Parliament of 1 August -14 December 22. Igor Gutan Moldova Secretariat subdivisions. 2012 23. Andrei Mihalciuc Review the Parliament of Moldova information management system maintenance and ensure 20 June -31 December continuous and efficient operation of the systems and 2013 services involved in the functioning of parliament’s information management system. 24. Ecaterina Provide maximum 10 one-day trainings (min 6 hours) Mardarovici to all staffers from the Parliament of Moldova (196 in 22 August -30 total) on gender equality with the focus on raising November 2013 gender awareness 25. Diana Digol Provide maximum 10 one-day trainings (min 6 hours) to all staffers from the Parliament of Moldova (196 in 22 August -30 total) on gender equality with the focus on raising November 2013 gender awareness 26. Ecaterina Doicov Provide half-day training (3 hours) to staffers from each department of the Parliament of Moldova Secretariat (8 2 April -31 July 2013 in total) on human resources management with the focus on performance evaluation 27. Elena Levinta- Provide half-day training (3 hours) to staffers from each Perciun department of the Parliament of Moldova Secretariat (8 2 April-31 July 2013 in total) on human resources management with the focus on performance evaluation 28. Douglas Armour International Consultant/Communications adviser to the 15 November -30 June Speaker’s office 2014 29. Ion Amarfii Support the development and implementation of a new 22 March -31. December IT solution for petitions management. 2013 30. Ion Axenti 27 November -31 Design of booklets December 2013 31. Liuba Cuznetova Provided two-day training on strategic planning to 7 October -31 December Moldovan Parliament senior managers and staffers of 2013 the unit for Strategic Planning and Internal Auditing 32. Serghei Russu Provide technical assistance, expertise, guidance and 20 August -31 March day-to-day transfer of knowledge to the Parliamentary 2013
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Committee on Foreign Policy and European Integration (CFPEI) members and staff 33. Veaceslav Cirlig Develop a Booklet on international organizations 1 March -30 April 2013 concerning security sector 34. Vladimir Arachelov Provide three-day training on internal auditing to 1 October -31 December Moldovan Parliament and CEC senior managers and 2013 staffers 35. Ion Axenti 21 October -12 Design of booklets December 2014 36. Costel Dorin Todor 16 September -12 Provision of strategic advice to the Parliament December 2014 37. Frank Fulner Undertake the mid-term review of the parliamentary 20 August -31 and electoral assistance provided through 2012-2014 November 2014 in Moldova 38. Liuba Cuznetova Design and deliver a two-day training program on 28 November -31 management skills addressed to senior managers of December 2014 the Moldovan Parliament Secretariat. 39. Vitalie Popescu Design and deliver a two-day training program on 28November -31 management skills addressed to senior managers of December 2014 the Moldovan Parliament Secretariat. 40. Andrei Vasilachi Support the Programme management team in 8 May -15 December conducting a procurement process for hiring national 2014 companies to provide reparation works for PCIOs 41. Eduard Fricatel Develop an updated version of the Handbook for newly 26 November -31 elected Members of Parliament (MPs) December 2014 42. Eduard Fricatel Develop a Methodology for developing opinions on 2 May -30 September draft legislation 2014 43. Ion Amarfii 8 August 2014-30 April ICT Consultant 2015 44. Igor Gutan Provide training, professional advice and coaching on 22 October -12 ex-post impact assessment of legislation to the staff of December 2014 the Parliament of Moldova 45. Tatiana Busuncian Review the progress made by Government to reform the security sector and define areas where parliament’s 17 April -15 August 2014 interference is needed 46. Veaceslav Cirlig Review the progress made by Government to reform the security sector and define areas where parliament’s 17 April -15 August 2014 interference is needed 47. Frank Fulner Undertake the mid-term review of the parliamentary 20 August - 31 and electoral assistance provided through 2012-2014 November 2014 in Moldova 48. Kevin Deveaux 10 December 2014- 30 Develop SOP for Parliament and PTIOs October 2015 49. Viorel Rusu Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for 20 November 2014- 31 Parliamentary Constituency and Information Offices July 2015 (PCIOs) in Moldova
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50. Ion Amarfii 10 January -31 ICT Consultant December 2015 51. Tatiana Busuncian 2 July -31 December Consultant on anti-corruption 2015 52. Franklin De Vrieze Offer support and guidance in the process of 2 July 2015-30 June establishment of a GOPAC chapter in Moldova 2016 53. Viorel Pirvan 13 October -15 Develop SOP on international travel of MPs December 2015 54. Ion Voloh Assess the Moldovan Legislation on immovable 13 August -10 October property taxation 2015 55. Franklin De Vrieze 2 July -30 December Anti-corruption self-assessment 2015 56. Sarmite Drosma Gender equality in parliamentary and electoral 25 May 2015-30 June Bulte development issues 2016 57. Daniela Terzi Gender equality in parliamentary and electoral 5 June -30 September Barbarosie development issues 2016 58. Razvan Buzatu Assess the role of Parliament in the EU integration 15 April 2015-29 July process 2016 59. Viorica Antonov 29 September 2015-29 Administrative support to Women's Platform of PRM September 2016 60. Geoff Dubbrow 6 May -1 November Parliamentary Oversight 2016 61. Ion Guzun 28 June -1 November Parliamentary Oversight 2016 62. Sinisa Milatovic 1 October 2015 -31 International Consultant on Human Rights December 2016 63. Ion Guzun 1 October 2015 - 31 Consultant on Human Rights December 2016 64. Andrew Williamson 10 June -15 November Parliamentary Openness 2016 65. Eugeniu Platita Provide support in design of e-Parliament information 14 March -15 December system 2016 66. Iuliana Bordeianu 9 November 2015 - 9 Communication Consultant November 2016 67. Veronica Mocanu 23 May 2016-28 Personal Data Protection February 2017
List of Contracted Companies 2012 – 2016
No. Name Title Timeframe
Design and delivery of a training programme on “AEGIS GRUP” 1. presentation and reporting skills for the staff of the 26 March - 31 May 2012 LTD Secretariat of the Parliament of Moldova.
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Design and delivery of Training on Communication, SC Ascendis 22 July -30 December 2. Presentation and Reporting skills for Senior Consulting SRL 2013 management from PRM Design and delivery of a Training Programme on the IM "Business principles, methods and mechanisms of the Regulatory 27 May -31 October 3. Research Impact Assessment (RIA) of bills and laws for Members 2013 Company SRL of Parliament and parliamentary staff Quo vadis European Center 1 February 2012-31 4. Provide English Language training courses for MPs for Foreign March 2014 Languages Ltd. Design, organize and deliver training programme on 27 October -12 5. SBC-Proiect SRL professional ethics for PRM Secretariat December 2014 Fors Computers 28 October -12 6. Equipment for video conferences SRL December 2014 21 October -31 7. Favorit Carcea II Repair works for PCIOs December 2014 SC Ascendis Design and Delivery of a Training Programme on 8. 7 May -31 July 2014 Consulting SRL Advocacy and Presentation Skills for MPs 19 December 2013-19 9. Andmevara SRL Development of e-Petition January 2015 15 January 2015-24 10. APPS Berliner Development of the new Parliament website June 2016 CRPE (Romanian Provide functional and institutional analysis of the 5 November 2015- 20 11. Center for Secretariat of the Parliament January 2016 European politics) DAAC System Provide mobile video conference equipment for the 13 November 2015-31 12. Integrator SRL Parliament of RM December 2015 Provided the following training courses to the Secretariat of the Parliament: Centre for - professional certificate in anti-corruption 19 October 2015 -12 13. Parliamentary - professional certificate in parliamentary committees August 2016 Studies - professional cert. in strategic policy planning - professional cert in policy implementation and evaluation. Production of UNDP projects videos with success 4 August -31 November 14. Cat Studio SRL stories 2015 Institute for Provided training on legal drafting skills for MPs and 2 October -15 December 15. Development and their personal assistants 2015 Social Initiative Design and delivery of training on communication, Axa Management 5 May -15 September 16. presentation and professional development skills for Consulting SRL 2015 staff of PCIOs 6 July - 6 November 17. DW-Akademie Design, organize and deliver media coaching for MPs 2015
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IT & IS Implementation of financial management and control 17 November 2014-29 18. Management SRL legislation and best practices in PRM May 2015 Ecorys Polska Enhance internal and external capacities of the 19. 27 May -31 March 2017 Sp.ZO.O Parliament Audit of ICT performance and capacity of the Parliament of RM. Info-Trust 15 June 2016-28 20. Draft the technical specifications and tender docs for Consulting SRL February 2017 the procurement of the information system e- Parliament.
Electoral Component
List of Consultants 2012-2017
No. Name Title Timeframe Adviser and Mentor to assist the CEC in the IT and 1. Shalva Kipshidze 2013 voter registration 27 September – 01 2. Alison Mutler Proof reader October 2013 Ljupka 11 October – 15 3. BRIDGE Facilitator Guguchevska December 2013 30 October 2013 – 15 Paulo Sergio de International IT consultant to provide support in 4. April 2014, extended Castro Siqueira evaluation of voter list software once Mario Viola de International consultant on protection of personal data 5. 04 – 20 December 2013 Azevedo Cunha and elections Natia 25 November – 20 6. BRIDGE Co-facilitator Kashakashvili December 2013 25 November – 20 7. Shalva Tskhakaya BRIDGE Facilitator December 2013 Victor Carlos International consultant to deliver training on ECHR 8. Pascual 04 – 20 December 2013 jurisprudence in relation to elections Planchuelo Communications advisor on preparation of 04 December 2013 – 31 9. Anneli KIMBER communication strategy for the Central Electoral January 2014 Commission of Moldova Steven Editor of the English version of the Moldovan Electoral 08 October 2014 – 15 10. Youngblood Code November 2014 International Consultancy on address system 15 December 2014 – 15 11. Blerina Bodo implementation strategy for the Republic of Moldova February 2015 Victor Carlos International consultant to deliver one day training on 12. Pascual human rights to the Parliament and CEC of the 24 June – 30 July 2014 Planchuelo Republic of Moldova International consultant on developing the address 18 May 2015 – 31 13. Graeme Lee system legal and regulatory framework for the August 2015, extended Republic of Moldova once Lyubomir Filipov (Reimbursable 07 September 2015 – International consultant on developing technical 14. Loan Agreement 30 August 2016, specifications for address register information system with GAP Consult extended twice Ltd.)
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International consultant to review the national legal Emilio Bugli 10 August – 31 15. and regulatory framework related to data exchange Innocenti December 2015 and interoperability implementation Natia International Consultant to deliver BRIDGE workshop 21 September – 30 16. Kashakashvili on Political Parties Financing November, 2015 Magdalena International Consultant/Advisor on Strategic Planning 19 October – 30 17. Shaldeva for the CCET December, 2015 International consultant on evaluation of CEC 14 September – 14 18. Donata Maccelli Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2012-2015 November, 2015 implementation International Consultant on Strategic Planning for the 26 October, 2015 – 6 19. Frank Nan Civil Status Service February 2016 Gender equality in parliamentary and electoral 25 May – 30 November, 20. Sarmite Bulte development issues 2015 Victor Carlos To consult in the area of rights of voters with 6 July – 30 November, 21. Pascual disabilities 2015 Development of the Feasibility Study on E-voting for 23 March – 31 August, 22. Jonas Udris CEC Moldova 2016 Natia International Consultant on development and 28 March – 30 June, 23. Kashakashvili conducting a Mentoring Programme for CCET 2016 International Consultant to conduct final evaluation of 5 December 2016 – 31 24. Sue Nelson the UNDP Democracy Programme in Moldova March 2017 24 January 2013 – 15 English Language Tutor for the CEC Chief of 1. Lorina Bujor June 2014, extended Apparatus once Magdalena 04 April 2013 – 30 June 2. English Language Tutor for the CEC Chief of Apparatus Adebayo 2014, extended once National Consultant to facilitate the conducting of a 15 April – 14 December 3. Alexei Buzu gender audit of electoral processes by the Central 2013, extended once Electoral Commission of Moldova Human Resources Consultant to assist the Central 17 January – 30 Elena Levinta - Electoral Commission to implement the new 4. November 2013, Perciun organizational structure and strengthen of staff extended twice capacities IT Consultant to assist the Central Electoral 5. Maxim Catanoi Commission in performance of the web application 02 – 08 January 2013 security testing National Consultant to support the Implementation of 07 May – 05 December 6. Ion Amarfii ISO 9001:2008 and ISO/CEI 27001:2005 at the Central 2013 Electoral Commission of Moldova National Consultant to conduct a feasibility study on the 7. Ion Amarfii implementation of several modules of the State 22 April – 10 May 2013 Automated Information System “Elections” 29 August 2012 – 28 8. Victor Diaconu Long-term National Consultant – IT Mentor for the CEC August 2013 National Consultant to assist the International Adviser 20 May – 01 November 9. Ion Cosuleanu and Mentor in the field of information technology and 2013 voter registration National Consultant to enhance CCET capacity to 13 August – 30 10. Valentina Lungu mainstream gender in its training programs September 2013 18 November – 30 11. Dina Cibotaru Communication Consultant December 2014 National IT consultant to provide support in evaluation 22 May – 30 September 12. Stefan Condrea of bids for development of an e-learning platform 2014, extended once
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21 October – 21 13. Ion Axenti Graphic designer November 2014 11 August 2014 – 31 14. Iurie Mardari Long-term National ICT Consultant March 2016, extended many times 14 August 2014 – 31 15. Ion Amarfii Long-term National ICT Strategic Advisor March 2017 Legal expert to revise and update the Moldovan 26 September - 01 16. Iulian Rusu Electoral Code October 2014 National Consultant for the mid-term review of the 25 August – 30 17. Liuba Cuznetova parliamentary and electoral assistance provided November 2014 through 2012-2014 in Moldova 11 November 2014 – 31 18. Ion Iovu Long-term IT Programmer March 2017, extended many times National Consultant to support CEC in implementation of CEC gender mainstreaming action, plan through revision of electoral data collection procedures applied 29 September 2014 – 19. Alla Negruta by the CEC and lower level electoral management 31 January 2015 bodies to enable the regular collection of sex- disaggregated electoral data by CEC throughout the electoral process National Consultant to develop the adjustments to the current legal and regulatory framework which would 29 September – 30 20. Iulian Rusu enable the regular collection of sex-disaggregated November 2014 electoral data by CEC throughout the electoral process Anastasia National Consultant on Research and Analysis for the 1 July – 15 September 21. Oceretnii CEC 2014 National Consultant to develop and carry out of a 27 October – 07 22. Doina Bordeianu Training of Trainers course aimed at increasing training November 2014 capacity of the Center for Continuous Electoral Training National Consultant to develop and carry out of a 27 October – 07 23. Corneliu Pasat Training of Trainers course aimed at increasing training November 2014 capacity of the Center for Continuous Electoral Training National Consultant to organize a Training of Trainers Valentina 27 October – 07 24. course aimed at increasing training capacity of the Sohotchi November 2014 Center for Continuous Electoral Training National Consultant to organize a Training of Trainers 27 October – 07 25. Cristina Berlinschi course aimed at increasing training capacity of the November 2014 Center for Continuous Electoral Training Legal expert to develop the new address legal and 11 May 2015 – 15 April 26. Ludmila Malai regulatory framework 2016, extended 3 times Technical expert to develop the new address legal and 11 May 2015 – 15 April 27. Andrei Iacovlev regulatory framework 2016, extended 3 times National consultant to provide administrative support to 26 June 2015 – 15 Sandu – Cristian 28. address system implementation in the Republic of August 2016, extended Teodor Moldova twice Legal expert to review the national legal and regulatory 10 August 2015 – 30 29. Viorel Zabolotnic framework related to data exchange and interoperability January 2016 implementation 03 August 2015 – 29 30. Mihai Grecu National Consultant in semantic interoperability area February 2016, extended once National co-facilitator to deliver a BRIDGE workshop on 12 October – 30 31. Corneliu Pasat Electoral Training November, 2015
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National Consultant to support preparation and delivery 12 September – 30 32. Corneliu Pasat of a BRIDGE workshop on Political Parties Financing November, 2015 National lead facilitator to deliver a BRIDGE workshop 12 October – 30 33. Doina Bordeianu on Electoral Training November, 2015 15 May – 15 December, 34. Andrei Madan National IT Consultant to support to the CCET website 2015 National Consultant to support development of the Leonidas 28 October- 30 35. Concept of the State Register of Civil Status Acts of the Crisciunas December, 2015 Republic of Moldova National IT consultant to provide support with 36. Stefan Condrea evaluation of bids for development of new modules of 27 April – 30 May, 2015 an e-learning platform National co-facilitator to deliver a BRIDGE workshop on 12 October – 30 37. Corneliu Pasat Electoral Training November, 2015 National Consultant to conduct analysis and Leonidas 29 July – 30 October, 38. reengineering of the Moldovan Civil Status Service Crisciunas 2015 business processes Support of the Central Electoral Commission with data 8 May – 24 December, 39. Elena Susu input into SAISE 2015 National Legal Consultant to assist the Central 07 September – 30 40. Igor Stoica Electoral Commission in human rights area October, 2015 National Consultant to provide technical support in 26 January – 3 41. Angela Caraman Voters Lists area December, 2015 20 July – 31 December, 42. Eva Bounegru Senior Programme Officer – Temporary replacement 2015 National Consultant to support the Development of the 26 October 2015 – 31 43. Liuba Cuznetova Strategic Development Plan of the Civil Status Service January, 2016 National Legal Consultant to develop the new legal and 06 May 2016 – 24 44. Pavel Burghelea regulatory framework on data exchange and March 2017, extended interoperability twice National Methodological Consultant to develop the new 06 May 2016 – 24 45. Vitalie Varanita legal and regulatory framework on data exchange and March 2017, extended interoperability twice National Consultant to support the development of the 24 March – 31 August, 46. Iulian Groza Feasibility Study on E-Voting for CEC Moldova 2016 Sergiu Burca 12 July – 30 December 47. Professional Editing and proofreading 2016 National consultant to provide legal support to the 29 August – 31 48. Iulian Groza CEC Moldova December 2016 National Consultant to develop an Implementation Leonidas 13 July – 15 December 49. Roadmap for the new ICT processes of the Civil Crisciunas 2016 Status Service 8 September – 15 50. VItalie Danu National IT Consultant – PHP Programmer December, 2016 National trainer as co-facilitator to develop and carry 21 April – 30 June, 51. Corneliu Pasat out a Training of Trainers course on Electoral 2016 Management National trainer as lead-facilitator to develop and carry 21 April – 30 June, 52. Doina Bordeianu out a Training of Trainers course on Electoral 2016 Management
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List of Contracted Companies 2012 – 2017
No. Name Title Timeframe 1. Aproser vice-X SRL Office Equipment (Xerox WorkCentre 4250) 25 May, 2012 2. S&T Mold SRL Office Equipment (Notebook & Monitor) 24 October, 2012 3. DAAC System IT Equipment (Notebook & Monitor July 2012 Integrator SRL 4. AXA Management Design, organization, and delivery of a training 24 July – 23 August, Consulting programme on communication, presentation, and 2013 reporting skills for the staff of the Central Electoral Commission of Moldova 5. Quo Vadis SRL Development of English language proficiency in the 30 September, 2013 – Central Electoral Commission (CEC) through delivery 31 October, 2014 of structured language classes 6. C&I SRL Implementation and Certification of the Quality 24 June, 2013 – 28 Management System in accordance with ISO February, 2014 9001:2008 and Information Security Management System in accordance with ISO/CEI 27001:2005 at the Central Electoral Commission of Moldova 7. ICS Indra Sisteme Conducting network assessment and training and 24 June – 30 August, SRL streaming of CEC sessions 2013 8. ICS Endava SRL Performing testing services for www.alegator.md website 9. IM TRIMARAN Provision of PHP and Apache training for CEC April – May, 2013 SRL developers (3 persons) as part of an in depth PHP/Apache/MySQL course (Micro-purchase canvass) 10. COMUNICARE NV Team-building training for the staff of the CEC Moldova 25 March - 10 April SRL 2013 11. AXA Management Provision of training services design, organization and 06 December, 2013 – Consulting delivery of a managerial training program for the staff of 30 May, 2014 the Central Electoral Commission of Moldova 12. “AMDARIS” SRL Support to the CEC in further development of SAISE 02 July, 2014 – 02 including State Register of Voters and Results February, 2015 Aggregation Modules 13. “Ascendia Design” Development of a web based learning platform and on- 30 June, 2014 – 30 SRL line training course in electoral area July, 2015 14. “OWH TV Studio” Video production services in electoral area May 22 – July 31, 2014 15. SE “Molddata” CEC website development 21 July, 2014 – 30 September, 2015 16. “Viatel” SRL Call centre/helpdesk services to the Central Electoral 16 October – 16 Commission of Moldova and to the Center for December 2014 Continuous Electoral Training during 2014 electoral period 17. “OWH TV Studio” Assistance to Central Electoral Commission of Moldova 23 September - 18 in the implementation of communication activities November, 2014 targeting Moldovan citizens living abroad and their family members
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18. State Information Support to the CEC in further development of SAISE – 16 September, 2014 – Resources Center Module for Import of Data from the State register of 30 April, 2015 “REGISTRU” Population to the State Register of Voters 19. SC “Rina Simtex- Services of Certification of the Central Electoral 8 April, 2014 – 30 Organismul de Commission of Moldova in accordance with ISO June, 2016 Certificare” SRL 9001:2008 and ISO/CEI 27001:2005 20. SC “Magenta Designing and conducting a public opinion survey on 29 April – 16 June, Consulting” SRL the Central Electoral Commission of Moldova 2014 21. GPU – Emptor, LTA - Purchase of Election Equipment (ballot boxes, October, 2014 Emptor lids, booths, other accessories) International Lidhotech Exports 22. Call centre services Call centre/help desk to CEC and CCET during the 12 May – 15 July, Company Local General Elections 2015 2015 “Fiscservinform” SE 23. Consulting company “Civicus Management and Development of a web based learning platform and an 27 June 2014 - 30 July, Development ” online training course in electoral area. 2015 /Ascendia Design/APPS Berliner 24. Civicus Development of new modules for an online training 13 May – 31 Management and course in electoral area December, 2015 Development Company 25. Institute for Voter-Targeted Educational and Informational 10 March - 10 April Democracy Campaign “Young People Vote” - Grants Programme 2015 26. Institute for Civic Education Campaign for Ethnic Minority Groups 25 May – 31 July, 2015 Democracy and People with Disabilities in the South of Moldova - Grants Programme 27. IDIS Viitorul "Design and implementation of voter education 10 March - 10 April campaign targeting specific groups of voters residing 2015 on the territory of the ATU Gagauzia” - Grants Programme 28. Alianta CCAII Civic Education Campaign for the Inclusion of People 25 May - 31 July 2015 with Disabilities in the Electoral Processes in the Framework of the General Local Elections on 14 June in the Republic of Moldova - Grants Programme 29. ICT company “SC Conducting of the post-electoral review of the CEC 19 February – 30 April C & I” SRL managerial processes and preparation for the periodic 2015 surveillance audit in accordance with ISO 9001:2008 30. Consulting Analysis of information security incidents from 17 February – 30 April, company “Info 30.11.2014 and formulation of solutions to overcome 2015 Trust” SRL them, from the perspective of ISO 27001: 2005 data security standard
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31. Consulting Assessment of the Financial Management and April – May, 2015 company “IT & IS Procurement Capacities of Centre for Continuous Management” SRL Electoral Training 32. CBS AXA Design and conduct a public opinion survey on the July – December, Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of 2015 Moldova 33. Aurora Media SRL Design and implementation of a communication May – 30 November, campaign for the Centre for Continuous Electoral 2015 Training 34. Group Expert Support to the CCET in Procurement and Management 4 November – 30 Consulting 2000 Area December, 2015 35. “Neuron Grup” SRL Procurement of IT equipment testing services November – December, 2015 36. Printing Company Universal sleeves to be used for voting by visually May, 2015 “DIRA UP” SRL impaired voters 37. SC “Oltime” SRL Development and implementation of voters’ electoral information and education campaign for 2015 General “Tipografia Local Elections May – July, 2015 Centrala” Production of promotion materials “Kim-Art” SRL “Otex-Elite” SRL “Aora Plus” SRL “Media Stil Grup” SRL “Alvia Grup” SRL 38. “Amdaris” SRL Development of SAISE Module IT Subsystem “Voter 15 May – 31 July, Turnout” Version 2 2015 39. IT Company “IT Load and stress testing for SAISE 06 March – 06 QAS International” October, 2015 (Allied Testing SRL) 40. “BTS PRO” SRL Computer hardware (servers) rental services May – July, 2015 “MSA Grup” SRL 41. Development of the New Functionalities for the State 15 December, 2015 – SC Greensoft SRL Register of Voters 20 December, 2016 42. Support the Central Electoral Commission of Moldova 4 February – 16 May, SC “C&I” SRL in conducting the internal audit and transition to a new 2016 version of Quality Management System Standard ISO 9001:2015 43. SC “INFO-TRUST Conduct re-certification internal audit of the security 4 February – 16 May, CONSULTING” management system of the CEC and preparation for 2016 SRL the periodic surveillance audit in accordance with ISO 27001:2013 44. IT QAS Provision of Load and Stress Testing during 2016 16 September - 31 INTERNATIONAL Presidential Election campaign October 2016 45. SC Magenta Design and conduct a public opinion survey on the 3 August – 15 Consulting SRL Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of December, 2016 Moldova
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46. SC OWH STUDIO Development and implement the voters’ electoral 17 August - 9 SRL information and education campaign in and out of the December 2016 country for 2016 Presidential Elections. 47. BTS PRO SRL Renting of additional hardware (servers) for the CEC 7 September - 30 during 2016 Presidential Election November 2016 48. Umbrela Studio Video spot on best practices in voter education and use 8 January – 15 SRL of technology in elections of the CEC and CCET January, 2016 49. SC Greensoft SRL Development of the Information System „SAISE Admin” 25 May, 2016 – 31 March, 2017 50. Development of the Information System „State Register 04 August, 2017 – 17 IOT Solutions SRL of Mobilization Resources” December, 2017 51. 22 November, 2016 – iELLO Dev SRL Development of the Address Register Information 31 March, 2017 System 52. BTS PRO SRL Purchase of hardware (1 server) to sustain the newly December, 2016 developed SAISE modules and SAISE Admin 53. Moldauditing SRL Audit Services for HACT (CCET) 13 February – 24 March, 2017
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