Moldova held pivotal local elections on Sunday amidst accusations of electoral meddling and the banning of a controversial party. The election served as a test for President Maia Sandu's policies ahead of the 2024 presidential elections, as Moldova aims to strengthen its ties with the European Union and distance itself from Russia. Sandu has been vocal in denouncing Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has accused Moscow of attempting a coup against her. Ahead of the elections, Sandu also accused Russia of funneling $5 million to "criminal groups" led by fugitive businessman Ilan Shor in an attempt to influence the election.
The election saw the participation of numerous parties, including Sandu's ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) and the pro-Russian Revival party linked to Ilan Shor. Shor, who has been convicted in absentia for fraud, has been accused of receiving financial support from Russia. On grounds of national security, the Chance party, associated with Shor, was barred from participating in the elections just days before the voting.
Sandu, after casting her vote in Chisinau, defended the ban on the Chance party and emphasized the importance of abiding by laws on party financing and national security. She stated, "No one is above the law, not even those with billions of Moldovan lei, whether it comes from Russia or elsewhere and is used to distort the election and its outcome."
The Chance party filed a complaint against the ban on voting day, while its disqualified candidates called on voters to support the remaining independent candidates. Final turnout was reported at 41.41%, surpassing the 25% minimum requirement for the elections to be considered valid.
The local elections, especially in smaller towns and villages, were seen as a significant test for Sandu's policies following her landslide victory in 2020. In Chisinau, the capital city, Mayor Ion Ceban sought re-election against PAS candidate Lilian Carp. Ceban, who previously held a pro-Russian position, formed a pro-European party in 2022, although PAS still views him as a potential ally of Moscow.
Sandu made a final appeal to voters on Friday, urging them to support her pro-European agenda through a high turnout. She emphasized the importance of Moldova's potential membership in the European family and cautioned against allowing villages to fall into the hands of corrupt individuals.
In response to Sandu's allegations of Russian meddling, the Russian foreign ministry criticized her and accused her of attempting to divert attention from her government's failures. Meanwhile, the Moldovan national security service has accused Ilan Shor of facilitating the influx of 1 billion Moldovan lei ($55.60 million) into the country to finance anti-government protests during the Ukrainian conflict and to influence voters. Shor, however, maintains that the funds were intended to support pensioners, finance social infrastructure projects, and assist certain politicians, denying any links to Russia.
Shor was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison in April for his involvement in a $1 billion bank corruption scandal. Following the ban of a party bearing his name by the Constitutional Court in June, the Chance party was established as an alternative.
The outcome of the local elections will shed light on Moldova's direction and the level of support for Sandu's pro-European policies. It will also determine the dynamics of power in various regions, further shaping the political landscape in the run-up to the 2024 presidential elections.