Moldova’s electoral commission on Friday barred two pro-Russian parties from participating in this weekend’s tense parliamentary election, which is beleaguered by widespread claims of Russian interference.
The outcome of Sunday’s high-stakes vote could determine whether Moldova, a Soviet republic until 1991 and a candidate for European Union membership since 2022, can continue on a path toward the EU or will be brought back under Russia’s orbit.
The ruling Party of Action and Solidarity has held a strong parliamentary majority since 2021, but risks losing it in the upcoming race, in which it faces several Russia-friendly opponents but no viable pro-European partners.
The parties barred Friday, the Heart of Moldova and Moldova Mare, face allegations of illegal financing and voter bribery.
The Heart of Moldova was one of four parties in the Russia-friendly Patriotic Electoral Bloc, or BEP, which is viewed as one of the main opponents of the ruling pro-Western Party of Action and Solidarity in Sunday’s election. The Moldova Mare was another opposition party, but was widely expected to present less of a challenge.
The Central Electoral Commission’s action against the Heart of Moldova was based on a ruling a day earlier by the Chisinau Court of Appeal, which restricted the party’s activities for 12 months. The justice ministry requested the restrictions following searches earlier this month on Heart of Moldova party members that led to allegations of voter bribery, illegal party financing and money laundering.
The electoral commission said in a statement that all candidates proposed by Heart of Moldova will be removed from the bloc’s list of candidates, and gave the bloc 24 hours to adjust its list to meet the representation thresholds required by electoral law.
Later on Friday, the Central Electoral Commission said it excluded the Moldova Mare party from the race, citing allegations of illegal financing, undeclared funds from abroad, vote-buying and participation in a “camouflaged electoral bloc” tied to a political party declared unconstitutional. The Commission stated it will send its decision to the Ministry of Justice to be examined.#