Political situation in Moldova

Vote counting has begun – EU-friendly PAS in the lead

Polling stations in Moldova have closed and vote counting has begun. With almost 80 percent of the votes counted, the pro-EU government party PAS was in the lead with 44 percent of the vote, according to Reuters. The pro-Russian coalition was at the same time on 28 percent.

PAS has previously had a majority in parliament. Should the party lose its majority, the country risks being thrown into a period of political uncertainty, the news agency reports.

The election campaign has been characterized by influence campaigns from Moscow. President Maia Sandu has described the election as an “existential moment” for the country.

Swedish election observer: Calm election day in Moldova

So far, the parliamentary elections in Moldova have been peaceful. This is what Swedish election observer Linnéa Wickman, who represents the European security organization OSCE, tells TT.

The ruling party PAS is facing a coalition of pro-Russian parties and the election is being seen as crucial to whether the country will move closer to the EU and the West or Russia.

– It is a tense day and a lot is at stake, says Wickman.

The election campaign has been characterized by influence campaigns from Moscow and the election looks set to be close.

President warns: We could lose everything we have won

Moldova's pro-Western President Maia Sandu warned that the country "is in danger" when she cast her vote in the parliamentary election on Sunday, writes AFP.

– If Moldovans do not mobilize and if Russia's influence on the election has an impact, Moldova could lose everything we have won, Sandu said.

Sandu represents the ruling PAS party, which wants to continue the country's rapprochement with the EU.

The party is up against a coalition of pro-Russian parties, one of the largest of which is led by former president Igor Dodon, a socialist. He has previously said he wants to continue negotiating EU membership while also reestablishing relations with Russia if he comes to power.