Moldova’s pro-Western president looked set to win the first round of a presidential race but accused “criminal groups” of undermining a referendum on EU membership path.
Nearly 95% of votes were counted in the referendum, with a narrow majority voting against the EU path. The diaspora votes favored the EU path.
President Maia Sandu alleged significant vote-buying and propaganda to undermine democratic processes.
‘Hybrid war’ campaign
Amid claims of Russian interference, Sandu led the first round of the presidential race but faced a likely run-off. Russian involvement includes alleged funding of opposition groups and spreading disinformation.
US raised interference concerns, with Moldovan authorities uncovering a massive vote-buying scheme and foiling a plot to create civil unrest.
Russian interference concerns
Moldovan authorities have uncovered vote-buying schemes orchestrated by a pro-Russia oligarch and foiled plots of civil unrest by trained individuals
Moldova, aiming for EU membership, faces challenges from Russian interference ahead of a parliamentary election next year.