Rising tensions: Moldova election marred by Russian interference
On the day of the second round of the presidential elections in Moldova, Stanislav Secrieru, President Maia Sandu's security advisor, is raising alarms about substantial Russian interference in the electoral process. Pro-European Maia Sandu and pro-Russian candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo are competing for the highest office in the state.
3 November 2024 18:04
According to Secrieru, Russian actions have a "high potential to distort the election outcome." "The authorities are on high alert," he wrote on platform X, citing examples of interference from Russia and pro-Russian forces.
In the separatist region of Transnistria, controlled by Russia, organised voter transportation is taking place, which is prohibited by Moldovan law. Secrieru refers to information from observers of the Promo Lex organisation, noting that the turnout in this region by 11 AM Greenwich Time had already exceeded the level from the entire first round.
Transports, restaurant vouchers
"We are also seeing organised transports from Russia - buses and large charter flights are bringing voters to polling stations in Baku, Istanbul, and Minsk, according to Russian propaganda channels," Secrieru noted. He published a video from the Russian propaganda agency Sputnik showing a plane to Minsk full of Moldovans with passports. The plane may carry between 260 to 400 people, indicating the "large-scale organised transportation of voters." According to police and media findings, these transports are organised free of charge.
He also published a photo of flyers received by the Moldovan diaspora voting in Moscow. As a "reward" for participating in the elections - and casting the appropriate vote - such individuals receive an invitation to a restaurant.
Cyberattacks from the Kremlin
The advisor also reported a cyberattack on the Central Election Commission's website. "All of this is happening against the backdrop of a months-long campaign of vote-buying by Russia through intermediaries, paid ‘activists’, social networks, bots, and special applications," he added.
According to police, in September and October, a total of £32 million illegally entered the country for this purpose.
The elections in Moldova are taking place amid tension and misinformation. President Maia Sandu and the pro-European government are targets of propaganda attacks, and citizens are receiving threatening letters and phone calls. False information is being spread about the European Union, the West, and Russia's war against Ukraine. Despite this, polling stations will remain open until 7 PM Greenwich Time, and authorities are urging caution and active participation in the elections.
