Experts expect more voter corruption cases ahead of elections
Electoral corruption, illegal financing, and organized actions by some political parties go beyond simple electoral handouts. These actions can influence the electorate's will and undermine parliamentary elections, warns legal expert Alexandru Bot.
In light of the recent detention of members of the "Heart of Moldova" Party, led by Irina Vlah, in connection with a criminal case regarding illegal financing, experts predict that such incidents will become more common during the electoral campaign.
"I believe we will witness more actions of this nature in the near future, especially as we are currently right in the midst of the election campaign," noted Alexandru Bot in a show on Moldova 1.
Bot acknowledged the authorities' readiness to prevent irreversible damage to democracy. "It is commendable that our authorities are prepared to investigate these cases proactively rather than post-factum—that is, after the elections when, perhaps, the damage might already be irreparable. (...) We hope that the vigilance of law enforcement agencies, as evidenced by their prompt responses, will minimize the impact of these illegal actions, ensuring that the election results reflect the true choice of the electorate in the Republic of Moldova," Bot explained.
Discussing the specifics of the case that led to the detention of seven individuals, the expert pointed out that the illegal practices have remained consistent since last fall: "We are seeing salaries being paid in envelopes and a fixed number of individuals coerced into participating in organized activities, with set compensation."
"Clearly, the stakes are high for those involved in these actions. From what we can gather, these activities are not random or sporadic; they extend beyond what one might consider 'electoral charity.' These are coordinated and organized efforts aimed at achieving specific outcomes," Bot said.
He also emphasized the importance of sanctions in deterring corruption, stating that significant fines can outweigh the financial benefits that bribed voters may receive. "A hefty misdemeanor penalty certainly serves to discourage anyone contemplating selling their vote. It forces individuals to reconsider their choices, recognizing that the short-term gain is not worth the long-term consequences that come with hefty fines."
To enhance the preventive effect, the expert advocates for transparency and media coverage: "Cases like these should be widely publicized before they reach those intending to engage in electoral corruption. Trials should be conducted openly, allowing the public to be informed, especially those who might consider selling their vote in the future."
Regarding the overall impact on the elections, Bot mentioned that a proper assessment will only be possible after the results are finalized. "We can only evaluate the circumstances, the results, and any potential damages once the Constitutional Court has tallied the results, based on the information provided by the law enforcement agencies investigating these issues. If the impact is significant enough to alter the election outcome, the Constitutional Court will determine the legality of the election as a whole," concluded Alexandru Bot.
We remind you that, this morning, the National Anticorruption Center and the General Inspectorate of Police conducted dozens of searches, separately, in Chisinau and in the south of the country, within a case regarding illegal financing of parties and money laundering in particularly large proportions. The number of people detained in this case has reached seven, including the deputy mayor of Comrat municipality and members of the "Heart of Moldova" Party, led by Irina Vlah. Investigators documented money transfers through a Russian bank under international sanctions.
We remind you that "Heart of Moldova" is part of the Patriotic Electoral Bloc (BEP), officially called the Patriotic Electoral Bloc of Socialists, Communists, Heart and Future of Moldova, registered in the parliamentary elections of September 28.
