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Belarus EPDE strongly condemns attacks against human rights defenders

July 14, 2021

On July 14 law enforcement officers searched homes and offices of several human rights activists and journalists, including of EPDE’s member organizations the Human Rights Center "Viasna" and Belarusian Helsinki Committee. EPDE condemns the continued intimidation of human rights defenders and calls for the immediate release of all detained activists and journalists.

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Moldova Elections took place in an environment marked by hate speech, biased coverage, suspicions of political influence on electoral bodies

July 13, 2021

Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections states that the Early Parliamentary Elections of 11 July were competitive, there were practically no obstacles or pressures likely to hinder electoral contestants’ free expression of their options and presentation of their offers to voters, including through electoral debates, but highlights that the elections were held in an incomplete legal framework with problematic provisions, which was not improved in line with national and international recommendations.

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Moldova Preliminary findings - early parliamentary elections

July 12, 2021

In its preliminary report, Promo-LEX reports these elections were generally organized efficiently. The number of incidents on the day of the parliamentary elections decreased insignificantly compared to the presidential election of autumn 2020, (Round I by (-22) and Round II by (-40) incidents). Unconfirmed reported incidents of voter bribery and organized transportation of voters were observed particularly in connection with the electoral process in the Transnistrian region.

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Belarus 'We will not stop our human rights activities.' - Viasna

"We will not stop our human rights activities." Statement by Human Rights Center "Viasna". On 14 July 2021, the Belarusian authorities again attacked human rights organizations and other NGOs, human rights defenders, and activists.

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Moldova Final interim report ahead of early parliamentary elections

In its final interim report, Promo-LEX reports on the main issues from the end of the election campaign and final election preparations ahead of Sunday's early parliamentary elections. Main issues include: legal uncertainties related to the funding of elections, lack of a CEC decision that would regulate the organized transportation of voters, unreported expenses for the election campaign, and perpetuation of hate speech and incitement to discrimination.

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Armenia Reflections on the elections and future steps for reforms

In a public discussion hosted by EPDE, election experts reflected on the landmark election in Armenia. The election outcome demonstrated a strong voter support for continued democratic reforms and a rejection of a return to past authoritarian practices. During the discussion, experts discussed main trends and issues of the elections and what these mean for upcoming local elections and electoral reforms.

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Armenia Independent observer alliance preliminary statement

The Independent Observer alliance found that the elections were held in a competitive environment. Despite the reports of electoral bribes both in the days leading up to and on election day, voters were largely free to express their will. Despite the widespread use of hate speech during the election campaign, discourse against democratic values and human rights principles, they did not have any direct manifestations during the voting. Improper election administration remains a concern․

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Armenia Roundtable summary: Post-Election Day - conclusions and recommendations

EPDE hosted a post-election roundtable during which heads of domestic and international election observation missions, as well as international experts and foreign dignitaries discussed conclusions from their election monitoring and formulated recommendations for the future.

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