Moldovan citizens are participating in a crucial presidential runoff election on Sunday, facing off between pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu and her rival, Alexandr Stoianoglo, who has a favorable view of Russia. Amidst this tense atmosphere, allegations of voter fraud and intimidation have emerged, casting a shadow over the nation’s commitment to democracy as it aspires to join the European Union.
In the initial round of voting on October 20, Sandu secured 42% of the votes but fell short of a majority. In contrast, Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general, garnered nearly 26%—surpassing expectations. Voter stations opened at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and will remain open until 9 p.m. (1900 GMT).
Recent polling data suggests a closely contested race, with a slight edge for Sandu, bolstered potentially by support from Moldova’s sizable diaspora. The presidency in Moldova is a powerful position, influencing key areas such as foreign policy and national security, and the elected individual will serve a four-year term.
Moldova’s overseas population played a significant role in a recent referendum held on October 20, where just over half (50.35%) voted in favor of pursuing EU membership. However, worries about electoral integrity loom large due to widespread claims of vote-buying schemes and intimidation tactics impacting the electoral process.
Rather than achieving the broad support initially anticipated, the electoral outcomes have revealed shortcomings in Moldova’s judiciary regarding the safeguarding of democratic ideals. Prime Minister Dorin Recean noted that threats have been reported by numerous citizens, with anonymous death threats being delivered via phone in an orchestrated attempt to instill fear and deter voter participation. Recean characterized these actions as an assault on democracy and assured citizens that government bodies would maintain order and protect the populace.
In light of these issues, Moldovan authorities disclosed that a vote-buying operation was linked to Ilan Shor, an exiled oligarch currently residing in Russia, who was previously sentenced in absentia for fraud and money laundering. Shor has denied all allegations against him. Prosecutors estimate that approximately $39 million was distributed to over 130,000 individuals through a Russian bank sanctioned internationally, in a campaign to influence voters between September and October. Anti-corruption agencies are actively investigating, having conducted hundreds of searches and seized over $2.7 million in cash in their efforts.
One noted incident occurred in Gagauzia, an autonomous area in Moldova, where a physician was arrested for allegedly pushing a group of elderly residents to vote for a candidate against their will; police claims included evidence of financial transactions linked to the same Russian bank involved in the vote-buying scheme.
A local religious leader in Comrat, Gagauzia, called on residents to fulfill their civic duty and participate in the election without specifying any candidates. He emphasized the need to engage in the election process despite personal judgments of the government, stating that voting is essential for peace and communal governance.
Authorities recently raided a political party’s headquarters where 12 individuals were reportedly implicated in paying voters. Furthermore, investigations have unfolded regarding 40 employees from state agencies suspected of electoral bribery. Cristian Cantir, an associate professor specialized in international relations, indicated that regardless of the runoff’s outcome, geopolitical tensions are likely to intensify leading to the 2025 parliamentary elections, highlighting the need for Moldovan law enforcement to enhance their capacities to combat voter fraud effectively.
Since 2021, a pro-Western government continues to govern Moldova, which has sought EU membership following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Receiving candidate status in June 2022 set the stage for potential membership negotiations to begin in summer 2024. This gravitation towards the West has frustrated Moscow, souring diplomatic relations significantly with Moldova.
Moldova has accused Russia of engaging in extensive hybrid warfare tactics ranging from disinformation campaigns to influencing elections, as Moscow appears to have vested interests in the outcome of the nation’s political landscape. Russia, however, has denied all allegations of interference in Moldovan affairs.
