Chisinau (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Moldova’s pro-European Union ruling party, Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), claimed a clear lead and a new majority in a key parliamentary election on Sunday, seen as key or the country’s future in the EU.
As reported, the polls were dominated by allegations of Russian meddling in the former Soviet republic. The elections on Sunday were considered vital for the country’s ongoing efforts to join the EU, which were initiated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
How did the parties perform in the results?
With almost all polling station reports tallied, the electoral data indicated that the pro-EU PAS received 50.1% of the vote, whereas the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc secured 24.2%.
The Russia-friendly Alternativa Bloc finished third, with the populist Our Party coming second. The right-wing Democracy at Home party also secured enough votes to gain a seat in parliament.
Electoral data show PAS is likely to secure a clear majority with approximately 55 out of 101 seats in the legislature. Any proposed government requires approval from the parliament.
What messages did EU leaders send after the election win?
European Council President António Costa has extended his congratulations. He says:
“The people of Moldova have spoken and their message is loud and clear. They chose democracy, reform, and a European future in the face of pressure and interference from Russia. The EU stands with Moldova. Every step of the way.”
Moreover, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen congratulated the Moldovan people and said:
“No attempt to sow fear or division could break your resolve.”
“You made your choice clear: Europe. Democracy. Freedom. Our door is open. And we will stand with you every step of the way. The future is yours,”
She noted on X.
How did Russia allegedly try to influence voting?
Moldovans faced several accusations of irregularities while voting, reflecting the tense situation of the election. Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that polling stations in Romania, Spain, Italy, and the US received bomb threats.
President Maia Sandu’s government cautioned Moldovans that Russia tried to influence the vote via extensive disinformation and vote-buying efforts. The party stated that election infrastructure and government websites were targeted by cyber attacks, and fake bomb threats were reported at polling stations in Moldova and internationally.
Police detained three individuals suspected of links to security services in Moldova’s pro-Russian breakaway region of Transnistria, accused of planning to incite “mass destabilisations and disorder.”
