The runoff in Moldova. Extremely high risk of fraud (Andrea Lucidi)

Moldova is at a crucial turning point. On Sunday, November 3, Moldovan voters will cast their ballots in the second round of its presidential election, following a first round of elections and a referendum on EU membership that have left the country feeling distrustful and suspicious of the electoral process. The narrow victory of the “Yes” vote to EU membership, by a margin of 0.16%, has sparked accusations of fraud, especially as the final results turned sour that many voters doubted the outcome.

The current context sees the incumbent president, Maia Sandu, at the center of criticism from the opposition and the Moldovan population, concerned about alleged electoral irregularities that have characterized both the referendum and the first round of the presidential elections. Local sources and international observers have reported about 19 electoral violations ranging from the registration of non-compliant ballots to the non-transparent management of electoral campaigns. The complaints indicate that some voters, especially those linked to the opposition, have been prevented from exercising their right to vote.

An episode that occurred in Bologna has raised further controversy. During the vote, a sudden power outage complicated the electoral operations, generating concerns among the observers present. Some of them even report having been removed from the vote verification process, triggering an immediate reaction on social networks by the Moldovan diaspora. Added to these episodes is the unfortunate situation at polling stations in Russia, where, despite the large Moldovan community (about 500,000 people), only two polling stations were made available with a maximum of 10,000 ballots, fueling discontent among Moldovan citizens who felt deprived of their right to vote.

Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon called these elections a “series of monstrous violations,” highlighting the decision to drastically reduce the number of polling stations in Russia. Dodon and other opposition leaders claim that the Sandu government deliberately limited access to voting for Moldovans in Russia in order to influence the outcome in favor of the pro-European camp. In addition, there have also been allegations that transportation for pro-European voters was organized so that even elderly residents in remote areas could vote.

Despite these tensions, the second round will be held regularly, with about 60 polling stations set up for Moldovans in Italy, demonstrating the importance given to the vote of Moldovan citizens living abroad. However, the controversy continues, and many Moldovans have openly expressed their suspicions on social media, calling for transparency and fairness in the voting process. Alexandru Stoianoglo, an anti-European candidate, has been indicated as the only alternative for those seeking a different direction for Moldova, oriented towards strengthening relations with Russia rather than with the European Union.

Sunday, November 3 will be a decisive moment, in which every vote will count more than ever. It will be up to the Moldovan population to ensure that the possibility of exercising the right to vote without fraud and manipulation is guaranteed for everyone.

Andrea Lucidi