The Supervisory Authority announced a significant number of violations during the voting day regarding the electoral silence period, hate speech, and monitoring of vote buying. In a statement assessing the electoral process, it noted the following:
First: Regarding non-compliance with the electoral silence period
The Authority observed an acceptable adherence during the electoral processes that took place abroad on May 6 and May 8, 2022. However, it was alarmed by the overwhelming number of violations occurring on the voting day, which took place on May 15, 2022. These violations were committed by all media, candidates, lists, and political entities concerning the obligations of the electoral silence period. This necessitated direct interventions from its president and members through phone calls, without success, prompting the Authority to issue an urgent statement to adhere to the provisions of the electoral silence period. During the monitoring, 324 violations related to the electoral silence were recorded.
Second: Regarding the phenomenon of electoral money and vote buying
The Authority detected some violations of vote buying based on complaints received from candidates, lists, political entities, and others, which were referred to the competent public prosecutor after careful study.
Third: Regarding hate speech and the incitement of sectarian tensions
The Authority observed an increase in the intensity of electoral and political discourse among candidates, lists, and political parties, particularly on social media as the elections approached. The rhetoric of betrayal, intimidation, and threats intensified, aiming to mobilize supporters and provoke sectarian tensions. This constitutes a distortion of the electoral process, reflecting a weak commitment to the applicable laws and violating the announcement by the Supervisory Authority regarding compliance with Article 74 of the Law on the Election of Members of the Parliament No. 44/2017.
Fourth: Monitoring regional, local, and international reports
The Authority states that it continues to study reports issued by civil society organizations as a result of their monitoring of the electoral process, which are officially endorsed by the Authority. The same applies to reports from regional and international organizations whose requests to participate in election monitoring have been approved by the Authority, and their representatives have obtained the necessary permits to conduct monitoring activities. The Authority will publish all findings on its website in accordance with the information access law to enhance the principle of transparency.
