Moldova election complete: PAS wins 50.2%, strengthens EU path

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.

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