Moldova‘s Ruling Pro-EU Party Poised for Victory Amid Allegations of Interference
CHIȘINĂU, MOLDOVA – Preliminary results indicate Moldova’s ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by President Maia Sandu, is set to win parliamentary elections held Sunday, despite a important effort to mobilize voters from the breakaway region of Transnistria and claims of interference aimed at influencing the outcome. The election is being closely watched by Western allies as a key test of Moldova’s commitment to its pro-European path amid ongoing regional instability fueled by the war in Ukraine.
The vote took place against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with Moldova accusing Russia of attempting to destabilize the country through disinformation campaigns and support for pro-Russian political forces. These allegations, coupled with reports of obstacles faced by voters from Transnistria seeking to participate, have cast a shadow over the electoral process. The outcome will determine the future direction of the small, landlocked nation, which has a stated goal of joining the European Union.
At the edge of Transnistria on Sunday, a lengthy queue of cars waited to reach 12 polling stations located beyond the administrative border, some over 20km (12 miles) away. Voter turnout from the region was significantly lower than in previous years, with just over 12,000 people casting ballots – a sign of the difficulties many encountered. Moldovan police conducted document and vehicle checks before allowing passage, with many cars carrying entire families.
Drivers interviewed by the BBC expressed varying levels of concern about the inconvenience, but the atmosphere remained largely relaxed. One man,speaking in Russian,stated he was voting for change because the PAS government had “promised paradise and delivered nothing.” He, like others, declined to reveal his specific voting preference, stating it was “secret.”
In Anenii noi, voters from Transnistria reported being redirected to multiple polling stations due to a bomb scare, leading to suspicions of deliberate attempts to discourage participation.One voter, identifying himself as a businessman running a “Russian business” in Transnistria, expressed a desire for the return of pro-russian leadership.
The election follows a period of political turmoil in Moldova, including multiple governments collapsing and widespread protests. The PAS party came to power in 2021 on a platform of fighting corruption and pursuing closer ties with the EU. A clear victory for the PAS would strengthen Sandu’s hand in implementing reforms and navigating the complex geopolitical landscape.
