Overview

• Polls opened Sunday, and analysts say the outcome may hinge on diaspora turnout and ballots from Transnistria, where about 30,000 voters are expected at 12 special stations.
• President Maia Sandu and EU officials accuse Moscow of deep interference through disinformation and vote‑buying, allegations Russia denies while the opposition accuses PAS of plotting fraud.
• Police report more than 600 searches since August tied to electoral corruption and destabilisation, with dozens arrested, including 74 alleged agents, and seizures of cash, weapons and protest materials.
• Independent researchers and journalists describe coordinated online operations using fake accounts, bots and AI, with Newsguard and the BBC uncovering paid networks pushing anti‑government narratives.
• Regional stakes are heightened by the presence of Russian troops in breakaway Transnistria, and Kyiv and EU capitals are closely watching as the closely fought contest unfolds.