Over 60% of voters fear ballot fraud

In a survey ordered by the "Pro Democraţia" Association (APD), over 60% of the respondents sampled all over Romania by the Social Research and Branding Company (CCSB) said they were worried about ballot fraud in this autumn"s elections. Compared to the previous poll ordered by APD in May, citizens" lack of confidence in the fairness of the vote count has increased by an alarming 11%.

"The scandals which have arisen in relation to the elections for the European parliament, have increased expectations of fraud for this autumn"s elections from 52 to 63%, which is why the authorities should find solutions to ensure citizen safety", Cristian Pârvulescu, the chairman of the APD said yesterday.

The respondents said that there are several methods used for ballot fraud: distribution of social aids by mayoralties (88%), followed by "voter tourism" - organized groups of voters shipped from one town to the next (81%), direct buying of votes (78%) and tampering with the vote count inside the precincts (62%).

Some of the steps that respondents feel are important to stop ballot fraud include tougher sanctions (88%), tighter government control (83%), the mandatory introduction of voter ID cards (61%) and the introduction of mandatory voting (48%).

The increasing public concern on the issue of electoral fraud is determined by the conflict between the governing parties, says Ioan Ghişe, senator of the PNL (National Liberal Party), who feels that "the permanent conflict between Traian Băsescu and the political parties (PD and PSD), as well as the President"s attacks on the Parliament and on the judicial system together have created a negative perception from voters". According to the senator, the introduction of mandatory voting would not be a solution in preventing electoral fraud, because citizens can not be forced to express their political options.

PSD deputy, Titus Corlăţean, said that the voters" negative outlook comes as no surprise, in particular because the authorities took no drastic measures in punishing any ballot fraud that was uncovered. "The fact that the authorities have not presented any serious sanctions in the case of electoral tourism and people voting several times increased public distrust", the deputy of the PSD says.

The PD-L deputy, Gheorghe Tinel, feels that voters accept bribes in exchange for their vote because of their difficult situation and of the overall state of poverty in Romania. "With the crisis that seems to go on forever and the general state of dire poverty, the politicians turn their eyes to the areas where voters are more easily manipulated", the deputy said. Mr. Tinel feels that there are two ways to stop voting fraud: the introduction of mandatory voting and holding the elections during the week, in order to overturn any schemes of the political parties.