In a remarkable display of democratic resilience, Moldovans bravely fought back against unprecedented levels of Russian interference in their recent presidential election. Despite facing cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and alleged vote-buying schemes, voters turned out in record numbers to support pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu, who emerged victorious over Russian-backed challenger Alexandr Stoianoglo.
A Nation Under Siege
Moldova, a small nation nestled between Romania and Ukraine, found itself in the crosshairs of Russian election meddling efforts leading up to the crucial presidential runoff. According to close sources, fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, backed by Russia, allegedly orchestrated a massive vote-buying scheme during the first round of voting. Journalists and others reportedly received death threats purportedly from Sandu’s team, written in broken Romanian.
On election day, popular polling stations for overseas Moldovans across Europe were disrupted by bomb threats, while the Central Electoral Commission’s servers fell victim to a temporary cyberattack. Law enforcement cited evidence of illegal organized voter transportation in Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, with people from the Russian-controlled Transnistria region admitting to being bussed in.
Disinformation Deluge
Alongside the alleged rigging attempts, Moldova’s internet was flooded with anti-Europe disinformation, particularly on TikTok, in the lead-up to the Oct. 20 EU referendum. Russian propaganda aimed to exploit and enhance societal divisions, polarizing an already tense political landscape.
The People’s Victory
Yet, in the face of this multifaceted onslaught, Moldovans refused to be cowed. “They cannot steal as much as we can vote,” emerged as an unofficial rallying cry. Law enforcement kept the public informed about arrests and cash seizures related to the alleged vote-buying scheme, helping to mobilize voters and deter participation in the illegal practice.
The results were staggering: 380,000 people in the capital city of Chișinău—more than in 2020—and an unprecedented 330,000 Moldovans in the diaspora, nearly 20% of all voters, cast their ballots. Both groups overwhelmingly supported Sandu. While pro-Russian forces claimed Sandu would only be the “president of the diaspora,” 70% of her votes came from within Moldova’s borders.
Diaspora’s Democratic Devotion
Moldova’s relatively young diaspora, driven abroad by economic hardship and lack of opportunity, proved instrumental in defending their homeland’s democratic aspirations. Many waited for hours to vote at polling stations across Europe, with some traveling hundreds of miles only to find ballot papers had run out, as occurred in 2016.
Remittances from Moldovans working abroad have been a lifeline for families back home, and now, the diaspora’s political engagement is helping to safeguard the country’s pro-European path. Many, like Sandu herself, have returned to contribute their skills and experience to building a better future for Moldova.
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many Moldovans from the diaspora in Russia have returned home. In the more Russian-speaking regions of Gagauzia and Transnistria, people have started emigrating to Poland and the Czech Republic.
A Resilient Future
Moldova’s ability to weather this latest storm of election interference bodes well for its democratic resilience, but challenges remain. With parliamentary elections on the horizon, vigilance will be key. Authorities must redouble efforts to combat vote-buying schemes, while better social media regulation is needed to curb the spread of disinformation.
Above all, Moldova’s pro-European forces must unite in common cause, communicating and collaborating more effectively than their Russian-backed adversaries. The stakes—the very future of Moldovan democracy—could not be higher. But if the recent past is any indication, the Moldovan people are more than up to the task.
