Moldovans voted on Tuesday in parliamentary elections that could have a major impact on the government's bid to join the European Union (EU), as a pro-Russian opposition group seeks to steer the country away from closer ties with the bloc.
If no party wins a majority in the 101-seat parliament, political bargaining is likely to ensue, further shaking up one of Europe's poorest countries, battered by the war in neighboring Ukraine and suspicions of Russian interference in politics and religion, according to Reuters.
On election day, a pro-Russian leader called for possible protests after the vote, while cyber authorities said election infrastructure had been targeted by attacks over the previous two days.
For a government aspiring to join the EU, parliamentary control is vital for long-term legislative reforms.
But power in the former Soviet republic has alternated between pro-European and pro-Russian groups for decades. About a third of the country – Transnistria, east of the Dniester River – is controlled by a separatist pro-Russian administration, where a small Russian garrison is stationed.
Moldovan government warns of Russian interference
Moldovan President Maja Sandu portrays the election as an existential test for the country of 2,4 million people, which also has close cultural and linguistic ties with its western neighbor Romania.
"If Russia takes control of Moldova, the consequences will be immediate and dangerous for our country and the entire region," Sandu said in a speech last Monday.
The government accused Moscow of a widespread campaign aimed at influencing the vote.
Sandu, who wants Moldova to become an EU member by 2030, warned of "immediate and dangerous" consequences if Russian influence prevails.
Opposition groups, such as the pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc, have exploited voter dissatisfaction with economic hardship and the slow pace of reforms – dissatisfaction that officials claim has been further fueled by the spread of disinformation.
Days before the election, officials removed two Patriotic Bloc parties from the ballot due to allegations of illegal financing.
Authorities have conducted hundreds of raids in recent weeks targeting illegal party financing and alleged Russian networks aimed at causing unrest during the elections.
Moscow has denied involvement and accused the government of spreading anti-Russian hysteria to win votes.
Igor Dodon, former president and leader of the Patriotic Bloc, accused Maja Sandu's government of preparing to annul the elections and called on supporters to gather in front of parliament on Monday. He offered no evidence for his claims.
The ruling party is trying to maintain its majority.
By noon, turnout was around 30 percent.
At polling stations in central Chisinau, where Romanian and Russian are equally spoken, turnout was low in the morning but began to increase later, authorities said.
Polls suggest that Maja Sandu's Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) may have trouble retaining a majority. The party relies heavily on motivated voters, including those from the diaspora.
"(Sandu) is doing what he can with what he has," said 45-year-old Marijana Ruse, who traveled from France to Chisinau to vote.
If it loses its majority, PAS will be forced to seek coalition partners among opponents, such as the center-left Alternative bloc or the populist Our Party party – if they pass the electoral threshold.
Moldovans divided over the future
Power in the former Soviet republic has alternated between pro-European and pro-Russian groups for decades.
While Sandu and PAS see European integration as a top priority, many voters are more focused on domestic issues and the uncertainty of what closer ties with the EU could mean for Moldova's economy, which relies heavily on agriculture.
Viorica Burlaku, a fruit seller in the capital Chisinau, said that Russia's war in Ukraine shows that Moldova needs European protection.
"We are afraid of war, no one wants it. That's why we are turning to Europe, at least for some kind of protection," said the 46-year-old.
In Balti, a city in northern Moldova, 82-year-old Maria Scutari offered a different perspective. She recalled being happy as a young student in the Soviet Union.
"What was wrong with that? That's how life was. I was a student, everything was good, everything was great," she said.
Recent polls have indicated a close race. Earlier in September, a survey showed PAS falling to second place for the first time with 34,7 percent support, behind the 36 percent of the Patriotic Bloc, which brings together the Socialists and Communists, Reuters reported.
But the large diaspora could have a decisive influence; voters abroad are not covered by opinion polls, but they usually tend to support pro-European parties.
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