The ruling pro-European party of Moldova PAS ("Action and Solidarity"), founded by Maia Sandu, is leading the parliamentary elections, which could affect the country's aspiration to join the European Union. After processing 52%, PAS is gaining 42.5% of the votes, with the pro-Russian "Patriotic Bloc" of Igor Dodon in second place with 29.8%, according to the country's CEC.
PAS leader Igor Grosu noted attempts by Russia to influence the course of the elections. "The attempts by Russia to disrupt the electoral process were colossal — we saw illegal transportations, vote theft, attempts at destabilization, false bomb reports. State institutions made every effort to ensure the safety and integrity of the voting process. The consequences of this interference are difficult to assess at the moment. We are waiting for the election results. We ask for patience and calmness."
Meanwhile, the police have increased security measures in the capital of Moldova, with the number of patrols significantly increased. Special attention is given to the parliament building.
The Moldovan police had earlier reported on planned provocations. It is reported that former President of Moldova Igor Dodon has already declared victory in the parliamentary elections to the press and called to "defend the victory" at a "peaceful protest" on Monday afternoon. "We must be ready to defend our victory tomorrow. It is already obvious that the opposition will win these elections," Dodon said.
A week before the elections, the police conducted large-scale searches in a case of alleged Russian interference, and 74 people were arrested. Security forces reported that Moldovan citizens in Serbia were being trained in protest tactics by agents of the Russian special services.
President Maia Sandu warned that Russia is spending hundreds of millions of euros to influence the outcome of the voting.
Photo: EPA