Partial results place PAS ahead
As votes were tallied across Moldova, the Action and Solidarity Party, known as PAS and led by the pro-European president Maia Sandu, held a commanding position with about 44.5% of the vote, as roughly 80% of ballots were counted. The Russia-friendly Patriotic Bloc trailed with around 27.8%. The early tally underscores Moldova’s clear tilt toward European integration, even as supporters of closer ties to Russia remain a significant force in the parliament.
Implications for Moldova’s direction
The apparent lead for PAS signals momentum for reforms aimed at anti corruption, governance, and deeper economic integration with the EU. Analysts say a Pas victory would help accelerate Moldova’s euro‑integration agenda and reassure Western partners, while a strong counter bloc could complicate reform efforts and keep the country more exposed to Moscow’s influence.
Election integrity concerns and Kremlin influence
Authorities announced an investigation into the organized transport of Moldovan passport holders from Russia to Belarus to vote, a practice forbidden by Moldovan law and viewed as an attempt to sway the outcome. Police released footage showing voters traveling in groups, singing songs in both Russian and Moldovan. Reports from Moscow indicated long lines at polling stations serving Moldova’s diaspora. The issue echoes earlier investigations of Kremlin‑backed efforts to mobilize voters through flights and buses to various countries. Additionally, 12 special seats reserved for residents of the Transnistria region are under scrutiny amid concerns about pressure and irregular transport along the Dniester.
Voices from the field
Nicu Popescu, a prominent pro-EU figure on the PAS ticket and former minister, warned that a win by filorussian forces could derail reforms and trigger economic instability, including a potential loss of foreign investment. Igor Dodon, former Moldovan president and leader of the pro-Russian bloc, claimed the opposition would emerge victorious and urged peaceful protests if results were questioned. Analysts stress that the final tally will determine Moldova’s ability to sustain reform momentum and resist Kremlin pressure.
Regional context and forward look
The Moldova election unfolds against a fragile regional backdrop. While Ukraine endures ongoing Russian aggression, Moldova’s orientation toward the EU remains a core dividing line in domestic politics. Observers say the final results will shape not only Moldova’s future government but also its posture toward the Transnistria issue and its security partnerships with the EU and NATO partners.
What to watch next
With roughly a fifth of ballots still to be counted, the final distribution will reveal whether PAS maintains its lead or if the Patriotic Bloc narrows the margin. Post‑election coalitions, reforms, and Moldova’s approach to the Transnistria question will likely hinge on the ultimate results and the negotiations that follow.
