EU accession candidate: Moldova’s president complains about unprecedented election manipulation

In the former Soviet Republic of Moldova, pro-European head of state Maia Sandu has complained about an unprecedented attack on the presidential election by anti-democratic forces. Criminal groups, together with a foreign power, tried to destabilize the situation in Moldova. The leadership of the impoverished agricultural state, which is striving to join the EU, sees Russia as the greatest threat to the stability of the republic. In a referendum on the country’s EU ambitions held parallel to the election, the government is also threatened with a bitter defeat, which Moscow should welcome.

There is evidence that 300,000 votes were bought, Sandu said at a nightly appearance in the capital Chisinau. Tens of millions of euros were spent to spread lies and propaganda. “We are facing an unprecedented attack on freedom and democracy in our country,” Sandu was quoted as saying by local media. She wants to wait for the end result and then make decisions.

Pro-Russian voter bribery uncovered

The 52-year-old did not give any details. However, even before the vote, Moldovan security forces had uncovered voter bribery and pro-Russian disinformation in the country with around 2.5 million inhabitants, which lies between Ukraine, which is attacked by Russia, and the EU member state Romania.

Sandu is running for a second term. After counting more than 96 percent of the ballot papers, she missed an absolute majority with around 41 percent of the votes and would therefore have to go into a runoff election in two weeks. Her opponent will most likely be former Attorney General Alexandru Stoianoglo, who received around 27 percent of the vote and is running for the traditionally strong Socialist Party of pro-Russian ex-President Igor Dodon. A total of eleven candidates stood for election, including some who are committed to good relations with Russia.

EU referendum: No to constitutional change?

One of Sandu’s most important goals is to have the country’s EU course irrevocably enshrined in the constitution as a strategic goal. In the referendum on this question, after almost 97 percent of the votes were counted, it seemed as if the people had spoken out against the constitutional change by a very thin majority. Surveys had suggested the opposite.

In addition to Russia, an influential actor in Moldovan politics is the Moscow-loyal oligarch Ilan Shor, who fled abroad and was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison for money laundering and fraud and is wanted. According to Russian state media, Shor accused his rival Sandu of failing in the election – Moldova does not need the EU.

Russia accuses the European Union of influencing the vote by promising billions. During a visit to Chisinau and a meeting with Sandu shortly before the vote, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen promised 1.8 billion euros in funding. The financial injection is stated to be primarily intended to stimulate growth, create jobs and improve services and infrastructure.

Criticism of the referendum

There was also some sharp criticism on election Sunday that Sandu linked the presidential election and the EU referendum. Several politicians from parties in the pro-Russia camp boycotted the referendum and spoke of an illegal process. “Talks with the European Union should continue, but the decision on EU membership should only be made after the conclusion of these negotiations, when all conditions are clear,” said former President Dodon. Only then would a referendum be possible.

Many are dissatisfied with Sandu’s politics

In the Russian capital Moscow, long queues formed in front of the Moldovan embassy to cast votes. At the same time, there were complaints that the number of polling stations in Russia had been deliberately kept small and that there were not enough ballot papers. According to media in Moldova, the Foreign Ministry in Chisinau described the snakes as an artificial production.

The field of applicants may also have been so large because many people are dissatisfied with Sandu’s politics and see too little progress since her election in 2020 – for example in the repeatedly proclaimed fight against corruption. At that time, Sandu received 36.2 percent of the vote in the first round and 57.7 percent of the vote in the second round. Because it imposed a ban on Russian gas, energy prices rose, which angered many consumers.

In order to implement reforms, Sandu depends on a majority in parliament, which she currently still has. The political power struggle in Moldova could reach its climax in next summer’s parliamentary elections. “For a strong, policy-shaping role as president, a loyal prime minister and a majority in parliament are necessary,” said expert Brigitta Triebel from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Chisinau to the German Press Agency. She does not expect Russia’s attempted influence in Moldova to abate.