The parliamentary election may decide whether Moldova will continue on the beaten path towards increased EU cooperation – or if the country will again turn to Moscow.
Russian interests have tried to directly influence the election result.
Swedish Member of Parliament Linnéa Wickman (S) is one of many observers who are following the election at several locations in Moldova. She started the day in the capital Chisinau and then traveled to the southern parts of the country where a majority are Russian-speaking – and where many voted against expanding cooperation with the EU in a presidential election and an EU referendum in October 2024.
"Been welcome"
Her immediate reaction is that the electoral procedure has worked during the day, despite extensive allegations of Russian and domestic influence campaigns.
I experience that we are being welcomed. The Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSSE) is a well-known organization here in Moldova. In addition, the country has great experience and routine in conducting elections, says Wickman by phone during a car ride in southern Moldova.
Many of those who work in the polling stations have done it many times before and have a routine. But of course, there are those who are happier that we are there than others.
Wickman does not want to draw general conclusions, as the OSSE's official report on the election will be published on Monday afternoon.
Voter buying and financing
But an interim report is clear in its warnings – as well as the experiences from the previous election.
It was about voter buying, financing of different parties and challenges with cyber security. They are also relevant now – and something that the authorities have worked a lot with since the last election.
Even if the election day has passed quietly, problems may be waiting during the vote count and a future government formation, notes Linnéa Wickman.
