Moldovans face stark choice between EU and Russia in critical election
Election to decide Moldova’s geopolitical future
- Moldova is holding a parliamentary election on Sunday, which will determine the country's geopolitical alignment between the European Union and Russia.
- The election is fraught with claims of Russian interference, including alleged vote-buying, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns, which Moldovan authorities say aim to derail the country's EU path.
- Russia has denied all allegations of meddling, dismissing them as "anti-Russian" and "unsubstantiated."
- Moldovan electoral authorities have barred several Russia-friendly parties, such as the Heart of Moldova and Moldova Mare, from participating due to alleged illegal financing and voter bribery.
- Despite economic challenges that may have reduced support for the ruling pro-Western Party of Action and Solidarity, the Moldovan diaspora's vote is expected to be crucial in the high-stakes ballot.