Pro-EU Party Wins Moldova Election Amid Russian Meddling Claims
Moldova's ruling pro-Western party is poised for a significant win and a new majority in parliament following a crucial election marked by accusations of Russian interference.
President Maia Sandu cautioned before the election that Russia had spent "hundreds of millions of euros" to influence the outcome, which is pivotal for Moldova's path towards the European Union.
With over 99% of votes tallied early Monday, Sandu's Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) had garnered over 50% of the vote, well ahead of the pro-Russian opposition Patriotic Bloc with less than 25%. If confirmed, PAS will maintain its majority in the 101-seat legislature.
Igor Dodan, leader of the Patriotic Bloc and Sandu's predecessor as president, has called for protests on Monday outside the parliament in the capital Chisinau. Moldovan authorities had warned of potential disruption and street violence after the polls closed.
Sandu, casting her vote on Sunday, emphasized the high stakes for Moldova and expressed hope for the country to strengthen its democracy, safeguard its sovereignty, and continue on the path towards EU integration.
Sandu aims for Moldova to join the EU within the next five years and cautioned about the risks if Russian influence prevails in the country of 2.4 million people, bordering Ukraine.
Sandu, a Harvard-educated former World Bank official, won the presidential election by a large margin in 2020, and her party came to power the following year, vowing to tackle corruption and enhance governance. However, progress was hindered by security and economic crises stemming from Ukraine after Russia's invasion in 2022.
Despite receiving acclaim for helping Moldova attain EU candidate status in 2023, some voters were dissatisfied with the pace of reforms and rising gas prices due to Russia cutting off supplies and Moldova seeking new deals with Romania.
Sunday's election marks Sandu and her party winning elections with significant margins twice, despite allegations of Russian interference.
Oana Popescu-Zamfir, director of the GlobalFocus Center think-tank, commended Moldova for its commitment to a pro-democratic, pro-European future, urging the EU to demonstrate equal seriousness about enlargement.
Before the election, Sandu accused Russia of trying to influence the vote through a massive disinformation campaign to install a Moscow-friendly government.
Moldova's National Security Adviser Stanislav Secrieru reported incidents on election day, including cyberattacks on electoral systems and government websites, false bomb threats at polling stations abroad, and illegal voter transportation.
Moldova's foreign ministry stated that polling stations in several countries faced bomb threats as part of Russia's interference in Moldova's electoral process.
Prime Minister Dorin Recean confirmed cyberattacks on electoral infrastructure, which were swiftly neutralized without impacting the election process.
Moldova's significant diaspora played a crucial role in Sandu's reelection in 2024, but analysts noted Russian efforts to discourage liberal voters this time.