Moldova’s pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by President Maia Sandu, won a commanding victory in Sunday’s parliamentary election, securing 50.2% of the vote compared to 24.2% for the pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc.
The result, announced Monday, strengthens Moldova’s path toward European Union integration, despite allegations of Russian interference.
With a 52% voter turnout, higher than recent years, PAS is set to hold 55 seats in the 101-seat parliament, ensuring a majority without coalition support.
The election, deemed the most significant since Moldova’s 1991 independence, reflects a clear public tilt toward democracy and EU alignment.
European leaders hailed the outcome as a triumph for democracy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Moldova’s choice for “Europe, democracy, and freedom.”
Leaders from France, Germany, and Poland commended the peaceful vote despite reported Russian vote-buying and disinformation efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy noted the result showed Moscow’s failure to destabilize Moldova.
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) described the election as competitive but highlighted flaws, including the last-minute exclusion of two parties for alleged illegal financing, which limited their ability to appeal.
The Patriotic Bloc, led by former President Igor Dodon, alleged voting violations, claiming authorities restricted voting access for Moldovans in Russia and the pro-Russian Transdniestria region.
Sandu refuted these claims, stating Moldova ensured voting access for Transdniestria residents.
Dodon’s call for protests drew minimal support, with only about 100 demonstrators outside parliament.
Moldova, a nation of 2.4 million, faces economic strain with 7% inflation and energy cost hikes, fueling opposition efforts to highlight slow reforms.
The PAS now faces the challenge of uniting a divided nation while advancing EU accession goals.