Moldova’s pro-EU party wins clear majority, defeating pro-Russian groups

CHISINAU, Moldova — Moldova’s pro-Western governing party emerged victorious in a decisive parliamentary election, triumphing over pro-Russian factions in the weekend polls that were seen as a clear East-West divide.

Following the tally of nearly all polling stations on Monday, official data revealed that the pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) secured 50.1% of the vote, while the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc garnered 24.2%. The Russia-friendly Alternativa Bloc trailed in third place, with the populist Our Party and the right-wing Democracy at Home party also gaining parliamentary seats.

The tense election on Sunday saw the governing PAS facing off against several Russia-aligned opponents, with no viable pro-European allies in sight. Electoral data suggest that the PAS is set to hold a significant majority in the 101-seat legislature.

The ballot was widely perceived as a strategic choice for Moldova, offering voters the option of a path towards the European Union or a return to Moscow’s influence.

Located between conflict-ridden Ukraine and EU member Romania, Moldova, a former Soviet republic, has increasingly leaned towards the West in recent years, transforming the nation into a battleground between Russia and Europe.

At the PAS campaign headquarters in Chisinau on Monday, party leader Igor Grosu hailed the election as a triumph over the “enemies of the country,” describing it as a “final battle for the future.”

He emphasized, “It was not just a victory for PAS, but a victory for the people. The Russian Federation deployed its most despicable tactics — vast sums of money, rampant falsehoods, and illicit activities. It attempted to turn our nation into a hub of criminality and sow seeds of discord.”

Grosu acknowledged, “We recognize that many did not vote for the party but for the European future of the country and to shield it from a pro-Russian dominance.”

The election’s outcome was significant, especially as Moldovan authorities repeatedly alleged that Russia engaged in an extensive “hybrid war” to influence the results and seize control in Chisinau. Moldova’s bid to join the EU in 2022, following Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, was met with candidate status that year, and accession negotiations were initiated by Brussels in the subsequent year.

Following a legislative election, Moldova’s president nominates a prime minister, typically from the leading party or bloc, who then seeks parliamentary approval to form a new government.

It is anticipated that President Maia Sandu, the founder of PAS in 2016, will likely reappoint pro-Western Prime Minister Dorin Recean, an economist who has guided Moldova through various crises since 2023. Recean previously served as Sandu’s defense and security advisor.

Speaking at the PAS campaign headquarters, Recean remarked, “Moldovans have demonstrated that their liberty is invaluable and cannot be swayed by Russia’s propaganda and intimidation.”

He emphasized, “This victory is monumental for Moldova, considering the extensive hybrid warfare waged by Russia. Our primary objective now is to unite society, as Russia’s tactics have sown division and tension.”

Alleged Russian interference tactics included a large-scale vote-buying operation, over 1,000 cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in the current year, plans to incite unrest during the election, and an extensive disinformation campaign online to sway voters.

Election day was marred by various incidents, such as bomb threats at polling stations abroad, cyberattacks on electoral and government systems, unauthorized photography of ballots, and illegal transportation of voters. Three individuals were arrested for allegedly plotting post-election disturbances.

Igor Dodon, a former president and member of the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc, called for a protest outside Parliament on Monday, accusing the ruling PAS of electoral interference without evidence.

Police cautioned against attending a protest, citing reports of individuals being enticed with money to participate. They emphasized that organizers bore full responsibility for any illegal activities.

PAS campaigned on a platform of advancing Moldova’s EU membership bid, doubling incomes, enhancing infrastructure, and combating corruption.

Cristian Cantir, an associate professor of international relations at Oakland University, hailed PAS’s victory as a triumph for pro-European forces in Moldova, ensuring continuity in the pursuit of EU integration.

He noted, “A PAS majority eliminates the need for a potentially unstable coalition, allowing for a smoother path towards EU accession. Moldova will continue to navigate a challenging geopolitical landscape amid Russia’s efforts to regain influence.”

Approximately 1.6 million voters, representing 52.1% of eligible voters, participated in the election, including 280,000 votes cast at overseas polling stations, according to the Central Electoral Commission.