Russia allegedly plans to interfere with voting abroad in Moldova's elections

Reuters reported the information.

Pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu, who has intensified Moldova's efforts to move away from Moscow's influence and towards EU membership, is facing off against Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general backed by the traditionally pro-Russian Socialist Party.

Stanislav Secrieru, Sandu's national security adviser, expressed concerns on social media about Russian interference in the electoral process, indicating a potential for significant impact on the election results. Meanwhile, there has been no immediate response from Moscow, which has previously denied allegations of meddling. Moldova has accused Ilan Shor, a fugitive oligarch residing in Russia, of illegally financing efforts to sway voters against Sandu, although Shor has denied any wrongdoing.

The election results are crucial, as they will influence the parliamentary elections next year, where Sandu's party may struggle to maintain its majority, impacting the political direction of the government.

A Moldovan government source indicated that Chisinau has informed several EU countries about potential Russian attempts to disrupt voting among Moldovan expatriates. Concerns were raised about polling places in countries like Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Romania, and the United States possibly facing disturbances, including bomb hoaxes.

Moldovan expatriates typically lean pro-European, which may benefit Sandu, who has championed the nation's ambition to join the EU by 2030. The pro-EU camp narrowly won a recent referendum, securing 50.35% of the vote. In the first round of the presidential election, Sandu received 42%, while Stoianoglo garnered 26%. Analysts suggest that Stoianoglo may attract protest votes against Sandu’s economic management, particularly in a country grappling with high inflation, economic challenges following the COVID pandemic, and the fallout from Russia's actions in Ukraine.