With more than 99.9% of ballots counted, Moldova’s pro-European ruling party, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), held on to its parliamentary majority after Sunday’s pivotal election, strengthening the 2.4 million-strong country’s push towards the EU and away from Moscow.
With 100% of votes counted, Moldova’s pro-European ruling party, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by President Maia Sandu, has retained its parliamentary majority, strengthening the 2.4 million-strong country’s push towards the EU and away from Moscow.
PAS received 50.20% of the vote (792,557 votes), putting it on track to secure a majority in parliament. The Patriotic Bloc (“Blocul Patriotic”), led by former president Igor Dodon, came second with 24.17% (381,505 votes). Other parties expected to enter parliament include the Alternative bloc (7.96%), Our Party (6.20%), and Democracy at Home (5.62%). Other parties failed to surpass the 5% threshold.
The total voter turnout was 52%, with protocols from all 2,274 polling stations processed. The results ensure PAS can form a government without a fragile coalition, keeping Moldova’s EU integration bid on track — a process requiring years of legislative effort.
Gratitude and acrimonious buildup
After the results were confirmed, President Sandu held a press conference, saying:
"I wanted Moldovans to choose Moldova, and I am glad that Moldovans made a decision for Moldova, despite all the interventions and money spent by Moscow. I am glad that our European path is safe. The future government is obliged to work with the same care for every citizen, regardless of how they voted."
The buildup to the vote, described by PAS leaders as the most consequential since Moldova’s independence, was marred by accusations of foul play from both sides. Sandu’s government warned Moldovans that Russia had attempted to sway the vote through widespread disinformation and vote-buying. Stanislav Secrieru, Sandu’s national security adviser, reported cyber attacks on election infrastructure and government websites, along with fake bomb threats called in to polling stations in Moldova and abroad. Moscow has denied any meddling.
Meanwhile, Igor Dodon called for protests outside parliament the following day, claiming Sandu planned to annul the vote — though no evidence was provided. Authorities will monitor closely to see whether Dodon follows through and the size of crowds he can mobilise.
In the days leading up to the election, officials barred two pro-Russian parties from the ballot amid allegations of illegal financing. Authorities warned of attempts to stir unrest following the vote, blaming Russian-backed disruption efforts if the election did not go in the Patriotic Bloc’s favour.
Economic context
Moldova — a former Soviet republic squeezed between Ukraine and Romania — has long vacillated between Russia and Europe. Opposition groups sought to exploit voter frustration over economic hardships and slow reforms, worsened by disinformation campaigns. Inflation remains high at around 7%, and energy costs are elevated due to reliance on imports.
Despite these pressures, PAS’s victory demonstrates that its platform of European integration and breaking with Russian influence still resonates widely among voters. The result marks a significant achievement for Sandu, who has staked her presidency on a pro-European course and accused Russia of deploying unprecedented tactics to sway voters in the impoverished country.
The U.S. plans to seek the redirection of Iranian assets to Gulf states to help fund reconstruction and repairs for damage attributed to Iran, a sourc...
Armenia heads to the polls on 7 June in a key parliamentary vote seen as a test of its democratic reforms and future political direction. Prime Minist...
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships ...
At least a dozen people were wounded, two critically, on Saturday (6 June) in Toledo, Ohio, as two shooters traded gunfire, police said....
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has warned ahead of World Environment Day that Afghanistan's worsening water crisis is di...
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has warned ahead of World Environment Day that Afghanistan's worsening water crisis is disproportionately affecting women and girls, who bear much of the responsibility for securing water for their families.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al‑Zaidi will pay an official visit to the United States, bringing with him a delegation of business leaders, private‑sector representatives and banking officials, in an effort to boost investment and deepen economic ties with Washington.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, newly independent Armenia emerged with the promise of democracy. But in the years that followed, conflicts and political assassinations sidetracked politics in the country, until a 2018 revolution restored momentum to the promise.
Armenian authorities arrested six candidates from the pro-Russian Strong Armenia bloc on Saturday, one day before voters were due to take part in parliamentary elections.
Armenia heads to the polls on 7 June in a key parliamentary vote seen as a test of its democratic reforms and future political direction. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is seeking re-election amid domestic polarisation, security challenges and regional diplomatic tensions.
More than 6,000 people gathered outside a vote-counting centre in Seoul on Friday night, demanding this week’s local elections be repeated after ballot shortages left some voters unable to cast their ballots.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
The U.S. said it struck Iranian radar sites on Qeshm Island and in Goruk after intercepting four drones, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they launches retaliatory strikes on four tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and targeted U.S. bases in the Gulf.
At least a dozen people were wounded, two critically, on Saturday (6 June) in Toledo, Ohio, as two shooters traded gunfire, police said.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 7 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al‑Zaidi will pay an official visit to the United States, bringing with him a delegation of business leaders, private‑sector representatives and banking officials, in an effort to boost investment and deepen economic ties with Washington.
People across Gaza are facing a worsening humanitarian crisis, with millions struggling to access food, clean water, shelter and medical care as the conflict continues.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said Russian forces attacked two civilian search and rescue vessels operating in Ukrainian waters on Saturday, leaving several people injured.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment