Experts: Russian interference threatens the integrity of elections in the Republic of Moldova
The Republic of Moldova is currently facing an unprecedented wave of disinformation and electoral corruption orchestrated by the Russian Federation. This campaign aims to create chaos, undermine trust in the authorities, and hinder the country’s European aspirations, according to experts. In a special edition of Moldova 1, Valeriu Pașa, president of the WatchDog.MD Community, and Romanian journalist Cătălin Gomboș urged Moldovan citizens to remain vigilant and to engage in civic resistance during the electoral period. They emphasized the importance of taking responsibility on election day.
“Let’s not believe in lies until the elections and think clearly. Because those who want to buy votes want to deceive us in this way in order to buy a seat in Parliament,” said the WatchDog expert.
According to Valeriu Pașa, electoral corruption efforts are linked to Moscow’s geopolitical interests in the hybrid war.
“More money is being distributed for voter corruption than last year. It’s Putin’s money. Because he doesn’t spend it on the well-being of the Russian people, but on the war in Ukraine and the hybrid war against the Republic of Moldova and Europe in general. The big money shows the very great interest of the Russian Federation to seize the Republic of Moldova, to use it as an instrument against Europe, against Ukraine,” said the expert.
Valeriu Pașa insists on the importance of public education, underlining the urgency of civic mobilization to protect the integrity of the election and ensure a European future independent of external interference.
"We, the Moldovans, will suffer the most, and this should motivate honest citizens who do not sell their votes (...) They believe that our people do not have a sharp enough mind and get caught up in such messes, and in this way they can win the elections through manipulation, through lies", said the WatchDog president.
Romanian journalist Cătălin Gomboș also warns that the Republic of Moldova is facing an intense disinformation campaign orchestrated by the Russian Federation, aimed at eroding trust in the authorities and creating chaos in society.
"The purpose of Russian propaganda and this information war is to create confusion, uncertainty and distrust in society and in the authorities. If this climate exists, the idea that the country is ungovernable may emerge, inducing the perception of chaos, after which a "force" can be introduced that would "restore order" at the expense of certain democratic rights and freedoms. This has been seen many times in history", said the Romanian journalist.
Gomboș emphasizes that, although the methods have adapted to the digital age, the objectives of Russian propaganda remain unchanged.
"We are talking about information warfare, fake news and disinformation. In the 10-15 years since these campaigns have been taking place in this format and, of course, they have crystallized, but the techniques, narratives, objectives have been the same for 100 years", explains the journalist from across the Prut.
Experts are issuing warnings amid a tense electoral campaign in the Republic of Moldova, which is marked by allegations of foreign interference and efforts to manipulate public opinion.
Parliamentary elections are scheduled for September 28, during which voters will elect 101 deputies for the 12th legislature. A total of 23 parties, electoral blocs, and independent candidates have registered to participate in this electoral race. Voting will occur at 2,274 polling stations, including 301 stations located abroad. For this election, 2.77 million ballots have been printed for the polling stations within the country, and 864,000 ballots are designated for the diaspora.
In response, the authorities have announced special security measures. Law enforcement forces will be mobilised both on election day and throughout the pre-election period to prevent any attempts to destabilise or disrupt the democratic process.
