Moldova’s pivotal moment: pro-EU PAS leads as counting begins
Moldova is holding a high-stakes parliamentary election that could determine whether the small Eastern European country tilts toward the European Union or leans back toward Russia. The ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) entered the vote with broad domestic support and strong backing from Brussels, while rival pro-Russia forces campaigned on stability and national interests amid regional turmoil.
Early tallies show PAS maintaining a lead
According to Moldova’s Central Electoral Commission, early results after about 70% of ballots had been counted put PAS at roughly 44% of the vote, with the rival Patriotic Bloc on about 28%. These figures underscored a continued edge for the pro-EU party, though the count was still underway in most regions. Earlier tallies, when about 28% of votes were in, suggested a different snapshot: PAS around 40% and the Patriotic Bloc roughly 31.5%. The trend lines highlighted how quickly the contest could shift as more ballots were tallied, including votes from abroad and in contested districts.
Diaspora and Transnistria ballots: a crucial factor
As Moldova’s polls closed, more than 1.59 million people had voted at home, plus about 264,000 Moldovans voting abroad. Abroad ballots were set to be counted alongside domestic results, a reminder that diaspora voters can influence the final outcome. In Transnistria—a breakaway region with a significant pro-Russian sentiment—voters lined up to cast ballots, crossing the border with Moldovan IDs. The region’s status adds complexity to the race, underscoring Moldova’s broader geopolitical contest between East and West.
Two pro-Russian parties banned ahead of polling
In the run-up to voting, authorities banned two pro-Russian parties amid concerns over illegal financing and outside influence. The bans removed significant opposition options, intensifying the stakes for pro-EU parties to secure a parliamentary majority. Analysts said the move could shape voter turnout and the credibility of the election, both at home and in international eyes.
Reactions from Chisinau and Moscow
President Maia Sandu, campaigning in person after casting her ballot, warned that Russia was trying to influence Moldova’s political trajectory and warned of the dangers if the country moves away from European integration. In response, former president Igor Dodon, aligned with the pro-Russian bloc, claimed Western interference and argued that the Russian side remained a key player in regional security. The exchanges underscored a broader geopolitical fault line that defines Moldova’s domestic debates.
What happens next in Moldova’s EU-or-East struggle
With the vote count continuing late into the evening, Moldova watchers stressed that the final outcome would likely hinge on eighteenth and final rounds of ballots, including adjustments from diaspora and remote regions. If PAS sustains its lead, the government could push forward with Euro-Atlantic reform agendas, anti-corruption measures, and closer ties with Brussels. If opposition blocs gain momentum, Moldova could face a more balanced or even Moscow-leaning course, complicating Warsaw-to-Bucharest security dynamics and Western support strategies.
A wider context: Moldova’s place in Europe
Since declaring independence in 1991, Moldova has wrestled with its identity amid economic hardship and a split public. The country sits strategically between Ukraine and Romania, a member of both the EU and NATO, making any shift in orientation highly consequential for European security and energy dynamics. The election is thus watched not only by Moldovans but also by policymakers and observers across Europe and Moscow, who see Moldova as a litmus test of Western influence and regional resilience.
