Moldova stands on the political and economic intersection as its citizens are participating in two crucial voting – presidential election and the EU association referendum. Both votes have been claimed to have been influenced by Russia. Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, who recently left Moldova for Russia after he was involved in a scandalous bank fraud case, has promised money to voters to vote for Russia’s loyal candidate and against the European Union referendum.
Shor, his campaign, which offers up to $280 to people if the referendum is lost, Vote buying is suspected. Officials argue that this interference is as part of the ongoing Russian exertions to retain Moldova in its sphere of influence despite the latter’s rapprochement with Western countries. Moldova has become a very different country from the one it was before, especially after the events in Ukraine that put the threat of aggression from Russia much closer to Moldova. Over half a million Ukrainian refugees have sought refuge in Moldova, making the country quite vulnerable.
Moldova’s pro-Western president Maia Sandu, who is seeking a second term, remains the frontrunner in the polls with more than 36 per cent support. She has concentrated on fight against corruption and on increasing cooperation with Europe that put Moldova on the path towards EU integration. Her main rival, former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo, who has been leading the opposition, is far behind, and the opposition is divided and has shifted from leaning toward Russia in the past. A large number of politicians who support the Russia have difficulties in comprehending the new conditions, which are connected with the war against Ukraine.
Another scandal connected with the Russian interference in the EU vote is the funding of the anti-EU campaigns, in which over $15m have been accused of spending money on bribes and vandalism. However, Moldovan authorities decided that Moscow denies it as much as they wanted, as the scale of election meddling became clear, including propaganda that EU membership is a threat to Moldova’s future.
However, predicting Sandu’s victory, the kremlin might not cease attempts to destabilize Moldova, especially because the following year is to be expected the parliamentary elections. Many obstacles lie ahead for Moldova on its journey to the West, but its desire to join the EU is still evident.
