Chisinau, Sep 29 (AP) Moldovans have decisively handed the pro-Western governing party a parliamentary majority in a pivotal election held over the weekend. The election results mark a significant choice in Moldova's geopolitical alignment, with citizens opting for the West over pro-Russian factions.
European leaders praised the outcome on Monday, viewing it as a reaffirmation of Moldova's commitment to a Western trajectory and the prospects of joining the European Union, despite purported Russian interference. The country's strategic location between Ukraine and EU member Romania underscores its geopolitical importance.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her support on X, stating, “You made your choice clear: Europe. Democracy. Freedom. No attempt to sow fear or division could break your resolve.” Moldova, once a Soviet republic until its independence in 1991, has increasingly leaned towards the West, becoming a point of contention between Russia and Europe.
The election outcome is notable, considering accusations from Moldovan authorities of a Russian “hybrid war” aimed at influencing the vote. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moldova applied for EU membership in 2022 and was granted candidate status, with Brussels opening accession talks last year.
Electoral data with most polling stations reporting on Monday showed the pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) receiving 50.1% of the vote. Their main adversary, the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc, garnered 24.2%, followed by other parties such as the Russia-leaning Alternativa Bloc and the populist Our Party. The right-wing Democracy at Home party also gained enough support to enter parliament.
Facing a tense electoral challenge, PAS emerged victorious without the need for pro-European coalition partners, securing around 55 seats in the 101-seat legislature. At a victory gathering in Chisinau, PAS leader Igor Grosu framed the election as a critical battle against perceived threats. “It was not only PAS that won these elections, it was the people who won,” he declared, criticizing Russian attempts to destabilize Moldova.
Post-election procedures stipulate that Moldova's president nominates a prime minister from the leading party. Incumbent President Maia Sandu, who founded PAS in 2016, is expected to nominate Prime Minister Dorin Recean again for continuity. Recean, an economist, has been at the helm of the government amid multiple crises since 2023.
Recean, speaking at the PAS headquarters, emphasized that Moldovans had shown their resolve against external pressures. “The major task right now is to bring society together,” he noted, highlighting lingering tensions.
President Sandu described the election as evidence of Moldovans’ unity in safeguarding the nation's future. “Moldova is our common home,” she pronounced, stressing the importance of the European path for peace and prosperity.
Russian tactics during the election included alleged schemes like vote-buying, cyberattacks, planned riots, and misinformation campaigns. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Sandu on Moldova's pivotal victory against Russian subversion.
The election day faced disruptions, from bomb threats to cyberattacks on infrastructure, with incidents of electoral irregularities reported. There was also an unsubstantiated accusation from former President Igor Dodon regarding PAS's involvement in electoral misconduct.
PAS's electoral stance focused on EU membership by 2028, economic improvements, infrastructure development, and anti-corruption efforts. Cristian Cantir, an international relations expert, characterized the outcome as a significant victory for pro-European forces, ensuring continuity and stability in Moldova’s EU aspirations despite ongoing Russian influence attempts.
Approximately 52.1% of eligible voters participated in the election, including significant turnout from Moldovan diaspora, while the Kremlin criticized insufficient polling stations for Moldovans in Russia.
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