Moldova’s ruling pro-European party, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), has won a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections held on September 28, 2024. The party secured just over 50% of the total votes, achieving a slim majority in the 101-seat parliament. This result marks a significant victory against the main pro-Russian opposition party, the Patriotic Bloc, which garnered nearly 25% of the vote.
The election was characterized by heightened tensions and unprecedented Russian interference. President Maia Sandu of PAS had repeatedly warned about the risks associated with the election, citing attempts to influence voters through various means, including the recruitment of orthodox priests to promote pro-Russian candidates.
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, welcomed the election results, stating on social media, “You made your choice clear: Europe. Democracy. Freedom.” This sentiment was echoed by Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, who remarked that the elections demonstrated a clear rejection of Russia’s destabilizing activities in favor of a European path for Moldova.
The results reflect a broader trend in Moldova’s political landscape, where the electorate appears increasingly polarized between pro-European and pro-Russian sentiments. PAS performed strongly among the diaspora, receiving nearly 80% of the votes from Moldovan citizens living abroad. In contrast, it also surpassed the Patriotic Bloc in local votes, achieving 44% to the latter’s 28%.
Voter turnout, however, was relatively low, with just over 52% of eligible voters participating. While this figure is slightly higher than in previous elections, it still reflects a degree of apathy among the electorate. Many Moldovans have expressed frustration with the political climate, leading to concerns about the engagement of the public in the democratic process.
The results of the September elections, alongside the upcoming presidential elections and a referendum on EU membership planned for 2024, highlight the ongoing polarization in Moldova. Approximately 75% of the total vote was cast for parties with clear pro-European or pro-Russian agendas, leaving limited space for centrist parties attempting to bridge the divide.
Despite the challenges posed by Russian interference, including reported funding of disinformation campaigns and efforts to destabilize the political landscape, the support for PAS has shown resilience. The party’s performance in the context of economic difficulties and external pressures underscores a significant commitment from the Moldovan populace towards their European aspirations.
While PAS’s majority is slightly reduced compared to prior elections, securing over 50% of the vote in such a contentious environment is a notable achievement for Sandu’s party. A decade ago, pro-European parties only managed to capture 44% of the votes in Moldova’s parliamentary elections, demonstrating a shift in public sentiment towards a more European integrationist stance.
European support has played a crucial role in bolstering Moldova’s democratic processes. Leaders from France, Germany, and Poland visited the capital, Chișinău, in late August to express solidarity with Sandu and her administration. Furthermore, the European Union has mobilized cybersecurity experts to aid Moldova in combating election interference and has committed significant financial resources, including €1.2 billion between 2021 and 2025.
The resilience shown by pro-European forces in Moldova amid Russian interference sends an important message beyond its borders. This victory is likely to be viewed with relief in capitals across Europe, including Kyiv and Brussels, as Moldova continues to navigate its path towards a closer association with the European Union, even in the face of external pressures.
