Moldova’s lesson: Democracies have to defend themselves with law and force

This is an important lesson for all of Europe, including Ukraine, since the Russian scenario was broken by forceful means: the extradition of a fugitive oligarch who financed dishonest schemes; the deregistration of a Russian front party in such a way that its voters, bought and mobilized with Russian money, could still cast their ballots but their votes were no longer counted at the end of election day; and broad public awareness about Russian influence, which ultimately led many of those involved in the schemes simply not to show up at the polls.

If Sandu had acted as she did in the presidential elections, when Moldovan law enforcement was still dealing with the means of influence, it would have spelled trouble.

Moldova has won and will preserve its course toward the EU and its pro-Ukrainian policy. Together with Romania, this is a sign that diplomatic measures against direct Russian interference no longer work, and democracies are forced to defend themselves with force and the law.

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 About the author. Olha Aivazovska, Chair of the Board of the Global Network of National Election Observers (GNDEM).

The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by blog authors.