Moldova’s
parliamentary elections were competitive but campaign marred by cyberattacks,
illegal funding and disinformation, international observers say.
22
CHIŞINĂU, 29 September 2025 – Moldova’s parliamentary elections were competitive and offered voters a clear choice between political alternatives, but the process was marred by serious cases of foreign interference, illegal funding, cyberattacks and widespread disinformation, notwithstanding the authorities’ efforts to respond, international observers said in a statement today.
By Redaction : Le Courrier d’Afrique 54.
The joint
observation mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human
Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), and the European Parliament (EP)
found that the legal framework provides a sound basis for holding democratic
elections in line with international standards. A recent law introduced key
improvements including clearer definitions of electoral corruption, tougher
penalties, and better regulation of campaign financing. However, the frequent
changes to the law and particularly shortly before these elections undermined
effective implementation as well as legal certainty.
“Yesterday’s parliamentary elections in Moldova demonstrated a high level of
commitment to democracy amid unprecedented hybrid threats coming from Russia,”
said Paula Cardoso, Special Co-ordinator and leader of the OSCE short-term
observers. “From illicit financing funnelled through shadowy networks to
relentless disinformation campaigns eroding public trust, and brazen
cybersecurity incidents designed to sow chaos, these tactics sought to
manipulate Moldova’s democracy and sovereignty. Yet, the nation’s democratic
tenacity prevailed and helped to ensure the integrity of the vote.” These elections
took place against the backdrop of unprecedented hybrid attacks, including
illegal funding and disinformation and cyberattacks amid deep political
polarization over the country’s geopolitical orientation. In this context, the
election authorities prepared professionally for the elections and were
transparent in their work at all levels. There was high trust in their
competency and efficiency. However, a number of decisions along partisan lines
on certain controversial issues called into question their impartiality and
independence. Election day was smooth and positively assessed in the vast
majority of polling stations observed.
While voters had real political alternatives to choose between, some new
eligibility requirements for contestants were overly burdensome and unclear. At
the same time, the decision to declare two parties ineligible in the final days
of the campaign limited their right to an effective remedy. Election disputes
were generally handled efficiently, but some court decisions demonstrated
varied understandings of new legislation affecting party eligibility. “These
elections showed that even unprecedented foreign interference and co-ordinated
disinformation cannot derail Moldova’s European path, endorsed last year. We
commend the electoral authorities for a well-run process and the people of
Moldova for their calm, civic-minded participation,” commented Chris Said, Head
of the PACE delegation. “Voters had a broad choice, but inclusiveness suffered:
last-minute deregistration of candidates and persistent obstacles for voters
from the left bank of the Nistru may have discouraged some. We urge all
institutions to safeguard pluralism and equal participation so that every
citizen’s voice is heard in future elections.”
Despite increased efforts by the authorities to mitigate threats to
cybersecurity it remained a serious concern, with the government’s digital
infrastructure facing significant cyberattacks. The election authorities were
the target of foreign cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns especially in
the days before and on election day, aimed at undermining its public
credibility by amplifying false information.
“In the face of sustained disinformation
campaigns, cyberattacks, and other elements of hybrid warfare originating from
Russia, Moldova has been actively targeted in efforts to undermine its
institutions,” said Linnéa Wickman, Head of the OSCE PA delegation. “Despite
these challenges, the country’s steadfast commitment to transparency and the
proactive measures taken by its authorities and citizens have been key to
preserving the integrity of the electoral process. This underscores the need
for continued vigilance and strong protection of democratic principles.”
The competitive campaign was seriously impacted by the activities of an
organized network funded by foreign sources that was credibly identified as
co-ordinating targeted vote-buying schemes and disinformation campaigns. In the
run-up to the elections, networks of accounts sometimes using AI-generated
videos, troll farms and automated bots spread manipulative narratives on social
networks. While the authorities increased their efforts to counter this
disinformation, its prevalence had a negative effect on the election campaign.
The response of the platforms themselves to notifications they received from
state authorities and civil society organizations was considered inadequate.
“On election day, we observed an electoral process conducted smoothly and
without any notable irregularities. This can be attributed to the high level of
competence demonstrated by the electoral staff, the majority of whom were women
who performed their duties professionally,” said Michael Gahler, Head of the EP
delegation. “We respect the free and unimpeded choice of the Moldovans to
determine their future, the Russian Federation does not. In the run up to this
election Russia interfered at an unprecedented scale with cyber-attacks,
disinformation campaigns, intimidation and illicit financing and vote buying
schemes, with a clear objective to substantially alter the results of the
elections. Yet again they failed. We commend the determined and measured
pushback against this malign election interfering by Russia and its local
proxies.” Moldova’s media landscape is diverse but polarised, which was
mirrored in the news coverage of the election. Regrettably, observers heard
many reports of intimidation and harassment of journalists. While the media
gave candidates numerous opportunities to present their views and opinions
through a variety of formats, the partisan coverage in some media outlets and
limited investigative or analytical reporting hindered voters from making an
informed decision on election day.
“The election authorities were professional and efficient. However, the deep
political divisions in Moldovan society did not only mark the campaign but were
also reflected at times in the election authorities’ decision making,” said
Jillian Stirk, who heads ODIHR’s election observation mission. “Throughout the
election process, Moldova has shown impressive resilience to the hybrid threats
it has faced. While there is still work to be done, the election reforms that
have been introduced so far show determination to build a strong democracy for
the people of this country.” The international election observation mission to
the Moldovan parliamentary elections totaled 415 observers from 50 countries,
consisting of 269 ODIHR experts and long- and short-term observers, 108
parliamentarians and staff from the OSCE PA, 24 from PACE, and 14 from the EP
.