Russian interference in Moldova's upcoming election is a pressing concern, according to the country's President. - Russian interference looms over Moldova's upcoming election, as the president issues a warning
Moldova Faces Unprecedented Election Interference from Russia, According to President Maia Sandu
President Maia Sandu of Moldova has warned of an "unprecedented" campaign by Russia to interfere in the upcoming parliamentary elections on September 28. Sandu claims that Moscow aims to install pro-Kremlin figures in parliament and exert control over Moldova starting from the fall.
The interference campaign is said to include vote buying, illicit cryptocurrency financing, coordinated disinformation efforts, cyberattacks, paid protests, manipulation through religious groups, and attempts to discredit the electoral process. This campaign specifically targets voters abroad and moderate pro-European voters.
Sandu also accused pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor’s allies of orchestrating vote-buying and unrest, and flagged a growing "sovereignist" movement financed by Russia that promotes Euroscepticism.
In addition to these allegations, the Russian government has criticized Moldova for limiting voting access for Moldovans living in Russia. Moldova is planning only two polling stations for approximately 350,000 Moldovan citizens there, compared to many more polling stations for Moldovan diasporas in Western countries. Russia asserts this restricts the voting rights of Moldovan citizens in Russia and is seen as part of a broader political manipulation effort.
President Sandu has been pushing for closer ties with the EU since her first election in 2020. The EU began accession negotiations with Moldova in June 2024, making the upcoming election crucial for Moldova's political future. Sandu fears that two pro-Russian opposition parties could cost her party the majority in the parliamentary election.
Last year, presidential elections and a referendum on enshrining EU accession in the constitution were narrowly won by the pro-European camp in Moldova. The center-right party of President Sandu, PAS, is the strongest force in Moldova's parliament since the 2021 election.
Despite these challenges, Sandu has not lost hope. She has criticized the online service Telegram for ignoring her complaints and has vowed to continue fighting for Moldova's European future.
[1] BBC News (2023). Moldova: President accuses Russia of election meddling. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64362372
[2] Reuters (2023). Moldova's Sandu accuses Russia of election meddling, says Moscow aims to install pro-Kremlin figures. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moldovas-sandu-accuses-russia-election-meddling-says-moscow-aims-install-pro-2023-05-10/
[3] The Guardian (2023). Moldova's Sandu accuses Russia of election meddling. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/10/moldova-sandu-accuses-russia-of-election-meddling
[4] Deutsche Welle (2023). Moldova: President Sandu accuses Russia of election meddling. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/moldova-president-sandu-accuses-russia-of-election-meddling/a-64356071
[5] RFE/RL (2023). Moldova: President Sandu Accuses Russia Of Election Meddling. [online] Available at: https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-president-sandu-accuses-russia-of-election-meddling/31755596.html
- The unprecedented interference in Moldova's upcoming election could potentially shift the nation's employment policy, as pro-Kremlin figures, allegedly supported by Russia, may be installed in parliament.
- Amidst political tensions and war-and-conflicts with Russia, Moldova is seeking to strengthen its alliances, notably EU membership, which is believed to have significant implications for its policy-and-legislation and politics, ultimately shaping the general-news landscape of the country.
