CIVICUS discusses Moldova’s recent election with Nicolae Panfil, Programme Director of Promo-LEX and head of its election observation mission. Promo-LEX is a Moldovan civil society organisation that works for democracy and human rights.
The pro-European Union (EU) Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) retained power in Moldova’s 28 September parliamentary election. The campaign was marked by disinformation, polarisation and Russian interference through propaganda, cyberattacks and illicit funding, with fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor accused of running an operation to pay people for pro-Russia social media posts to influence voters. Amid these challenges, the election was well-administered and civil society played an essential role in protecting its integrity. By rejecting the prospect of closer relations with Russia, most voters have shown they value their democratic freedoms.
