Moldova’s pro-European Union government appeared set to secure a decisive parliamentary majority after Sunday’s pivotal vote, strengthening its hand in steering the former Soviet republic away from Moscow’s influence.
With more than 99% of ballots counted on Monday, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by President Maia Sandu, had won 49.99% of the vote, comfortably ahead of the pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc, which trailed at 24.28%.
The result raises the likelihood that PAS will command a majority in the 101-seat legislature, avoiding the instability of coalition bargaining and keeping Moldova’s EU accession bid on track.
Smaller parties entering parliament include the Alternative bloc, with about 8%, and the populist Our Party, with 6.2%. The official final tally is expected later Monday.
The election campaign, described by PAS leaders as Moldova’s most consequential since independence in 1991, was marred by mutual accusations of misconduct. Sandu’s government accused Russia of trying to sway the vote through disinformation, illicit financing, and even cyberattacks.
Fake bomb threats were also reported at polling stations both inside Moldova and abroad. Moscow has denied interfering.
On Sunday, Igor Dodon, the Patriotic Bloc’s co-leader and a former president, alleged without evidence that Sandu intended to annul the vote and called for protests outside parliament. Authorities said they would closely monitor for attempts to incite unrest.
The stakes were heightened by Moldova’s fragile geopolitical position. The country of 2.4 million, wedged between Ukraine and EU member Romania, has struggled with energy shortages, inflation of around 7%, and political instability, while facing persistent pressure from Russia.
Despite these challenges, PAS’s strong showing suggested that its platform of closer European integration and a clean break from Moscow continues to resonate with large sections of the electorate.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
