© EPA/ DUMITRU DORU Sandu's party may lose its majority.
Moldova went to the polls on Sunday in a parliamentary election that could have a significant impact on its bid to join the European Union, as a popular pro-Russian group seeks to steer Chisinau away from closer ties with Europe. Moldova's EU-bound government needs control of parliament for its legislative efforts, Reuters reported.
If neither party wins a majority in the 101-seat chamber, political bargaining is likely, the agency said. President Maia Sandu has called the election an existential test and said a large-scale Russian campaign to influence the election is a direct threat. Polls suggest her Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) may struggle to retain a majority in parliament.
The pro-Russian “Patriotic Bloc” (socialists and communists) has exploited Moldovans' concerns about economic turmoil and the slow pace of reforms, exacerbated by what officials say is Russian disinformation. Moscow denies interference.
“Many voters appear to be more focused on domestic issues, fearing what closer ties with the EU could mean for Moldova's largely agricultural economy,” the journalists point out.
Polls recently showed Sandu's party slipping to second place for the first time, with 34.7% support. The pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc has 36%.
Recall, according to Bloomberg, Russia is spending millions of dollars to interfere in the parliamentary elections in Moldova and disrupt the country's course towards membership in the European Union. In particular, Moscow is actively recruiting Moldovans abroad, preparing “protests” in the country itself, and has launched a large-scale disinformation campaign on social networks .
