Polling stations have opened across Moldova as citizens cast their ballots in parliamentary elections that could significantly influence the nation’s geopolitical direction-either reinforcing its pro-Ukrainian and European Union integration ambitions or shifting closer to Russian influence.
In the days leading up to the election, Prime Minister Dorin Recean issued a stark warning about Russian meddling, accusing Moscow of investing “hundreds of millions” of euros in a so-called “hybrid war” aimed at seizing control. He described this as the “decisive struggle for our country’s future.”
Russia has dismissed these allegations, denying any involvement in disinformation campaigns or attempts to manipulate voters and incite unrest within Moldova.
Voting commenced at 7 a.m. local time (04:00 GMT) and will continue until 9 p.m. (18:00 GMT), with election results anticipated later in the evening. The election will determine the 101 parliamentary seats, after which the president will nominate a prime minister-typically from the party or coalition with the majority-to form the next government.
Most pre-election surveys indicate that the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by Recean and in power since 2021, is currently favored to win. However, these polls do not fully capture the preferences of Moldova’s extensive diaspora, and approximately one-third of voters remain undecided.
The pro-Russian Patriot Electoral Bloc, a coalition of parties, has gained traction by tapping into public dissatisfaction with economic hardships, sluggish reforms, and the impact of widespread disinformation, according to officials. This bloc includes the populist Our Party, which advocates for a “balanced foreign policy” between East and West, and the Alternativa Bloc, which publicly supports European integration but is criticized for promoting closer ties with Moscow.
Strategically positioned between Ukraine and Romania, an EU member, Moldova has increasingly oriented itself westward, achieving EU candidate status in 2022 shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Reflecting voter disillusionment, 26-year-old factory worker Iulian Cazacu from Balti shared with Reuters his likely decision to abstain from voting, citing frustration with past elections. “We’ve had many leaders, but no meaningful improvements that would make me say, ‘Life here has gotten better,'” he remarked.
President Maia Sandu described the election as the “most critical in our nation’s history,” emphasizing its role in determining whether Moldova will solidify its democracy and advance toward EU membership or fall back under Russian influence, potentially becoming a regional security concern. She expressed these views on the social platform X.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Recean urged Moldovans both domestically and abroad to remain vigilant. “While we cannot control Russia’s actions, we can control our response as a people,” he stated. “Let us transform concern into collective resolve and deliberate effort to thwart their plans.”
