Moldova's pro-Western ruling party won a decisive victory and secured a majority of seats in parliament after a high-stake election held on Sunday amid allegations of Russian meddling. The election outcome bolstered Chisinau's aspirations to join the European Union.
Pro-EU ruling Action and Solidarity party (PAS) won 50.03% of the vote, securing 55 of the 101 seats in the parliament, putting the nation of 2.4 back on track to its accession to the European Union. The opposition alliance, comprised of Kremlin-leaning parties and led by former president Igor Dodon, won only 24.26% of the vote after 99.9% of ballots were counted. It should be noted that in Moldova, power is shared by the president and the prime minister appointed by the parliament.
The results mark a significant victory for President Maia Sandu who was elected in 2020 election on wide-spread anti-corruption sentiments. Her government led a referendum in October that enshrined Moldova's EU integration as a goal. In November, Sandu was elected as the president for a second fourth-term term. Under Sandu's presidency, Moldova pivoted from the Kremlin and leaned towards EU and the West. Sandu's government has vehemently supported neighbouring Ukraine since Russia's full-fledged invasion in February 2022. Sunday's parliamentary election was decisive in the country's political path. It raised concerns that the impoverished, ex-Soviet republic would abandon its EU aspirations and the Kremlin would gain foothold in the strategically important country that is wedged between Ukraine and Romania.
The elections were marred by allegations of Russian meddling. Sandu who has repeatedly accused Moscow of meddling into the country's electoral process - through anti-EU campaigns, voter irregularities schemes - hailed Moldovans for their refusal to be "bought" by Moscow.
“We did not allow ourselves to be bought, intimidated or frightened. Throughout this campaign, the Kremlin sought to divide us, to undermine our trust - in the state, in our institutions, in one another, and in our ability to resist. This election showed that yes, we have vulnerabilities, but also capable institutions and dedicated people,” Sandi said on Monday. “We mobilised and defended our country through honest, democratic choice," she went on saying.
The outcome of the election was greeted with a sight of relief in the EU, with the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, writing on X: “Moldova, you’ve done it again. No attempt to sow fear or division could break your resolve."
