Electoral capacity building for NGOs and local media – a step towards more transparent elections
Chisinau, July 15, 2025 – The Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi) organized a capacity building activity dedicated to representatives of civil society in rural areas and representatives of the local media, with the aim of promoting a transparent and fair electoral process in the context of the parliamentary elections in the fall.
The event brought together representatives of 3 NGOs active in rural areas:
“AO Destinatia de success” from Cismichioi, Vulcanesti district
“AO Botna” from Cirnatenii Noi, Causeni district, and
“Centrul Comunitar Roscani” from Roscani, Anenii Noi district,
as well as representatives of 2 regional media outlets: Nord-News from Balti and Ziuadeazi.md from Cahul.
Participants benefited from a training course delivered by experts in the field of elections and media.
Irina Bejenaru, director of the News Department at TVR Moldova, spoke about the accurate and impartial coverage of the electoral process in the media, as well as the new realities imposed by digital developments in recent years.
Marcela Rosca, electoral trainer at the Center for Continuous Electoral Training (CICDE) of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC), addressed topics related to the monitoring of parliamentary elections and the role of civil society in this process.
Igor Bucataru, senior election analyst at Promo-LEX and university lecturer, provided participants with a set of practical tools for effectively documenting election violations and fraud.
The event provided local actors with both theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them to actively participate in monitoring the parliamentary elections on September 28, 2025.
“This activity is an important step in building a healthier electoral ecosystem, in which local NGOs and the media play an essential role in defending the integrity of the democratic process.” – Cristina Savca, project leader, Cirnatenii Noi, Causeni district.
“Such activities are essential for strengthening democratic culture. By involving civil society and the media, we can contribute to increasing transparency and citizens’ trust in elections.” – Maria Loris, project manager, Nord News, Balti municipality.
“Civil society plays an essential role in monitoring elections, especially at the local level, where irregularities can often go unnoticed. Through such activities, we provide local organizations with the tools they need to become active observers of the democratic process and contribute to the fair conduct of elections.” – Lilia Sula, programs coordinator, Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi).
This activity is part of the Support Elect project: supporting local civil society organizations and the media in monitoring elections in rural areas of Moldova, implemented by the Institute for Rural Initiatives (iRi) with the support of ERIM, through the ProElect project, funded by the European Union.