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Moldova Sets Pivotal Parliamentary Vote With PAS and Pro-Russia Bloc in Dead Heat

Officials report arrests over alleged Russian meddling in a race that could determine the country’s path to the EU.

Participants of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) campaign hand out leaflets ahead of Moldova's upcoming parliamentary elections in Chisinau, Moldova, September 21, 2025. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo
People attend a rally launching the election campaign of the pro-European?Party?of Action and Solidarity (PAS) ahead of the parliamentary elections, in Chisinau, Moldova August 29, 2025. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo
A man stands in front of a board with Moldovan political parties' campaign posters ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Chisinau, Moldova, September 21, 2025. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo
Moldovan President Maia Sandu attends a concert marking country’s Independence Day in Chisinau, Moldova, August 27, 2025. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo

Overview

  • A new Idata poll shows PAS at 24.9% and the pro-Russia Patriotic Bloc at 24.7%, with 26.6% undecided and a narrow edge for the Patriotic Bloc among decided voters.
  • Security forces arrested 74 people in raids linked to alleged Russian-backed plans to stoke unrest, with officials citing training in Serbia and Patriotic Bloc co-leader Igor Dodon alleging intimidation.
  • President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean accuse Russia of pouring large sums into vote-buying and disorder, which Moscow denies after summoning Moldova’s ambassador over observer accreditation.
  • PAS may need partners to govern in the 101-seat parliament, with analysts pointing to Our Party as a potential ally, and experts warning a coalition could slow the EU accession push targeted for 2030.
  • Economic grievances, slow anti-corruption and justice reforms, and disinformation campaigns weigh on voters, while fugitive tycoon Ilan Shor has offered cash to fuel protests and the diaspora could shape the outcome.