Moldova: Moldova on Monday condemned statements by Russian authorities accusing Chisinau of preparing electoral fraud in the country's upcoming parliamentary election next month. A statement by the Moldovan Foreign Ministry said that it 'strongly condemns' recent statements from Russian officials, which it said accused Chisinau of preparing 'vote falsification' for the elections through the country's diaspora.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Moldovan Foreign Ministry stated that such claims represent an unacceptable interference in Moldova's internal affairs and are part of a disinformation campaign aimed at influencing the electoral processes and denigrating Moldovan communities abroad. The ministry emphasized that Moldovan authorities are committed to organizing the upcoming vote in a democratic and transparent manner, in accordance with the legal framework, ensuring that all Moldovan citizens, including those abroad, can vote freely without external influence.
The statement reaffirmed Moldova's commitment to democratic values and rejected any external attempts to undermine the electoral processes and state stability. This condemnation follows remarks by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who accused Moldovan authorities of creating divisions among its citizens by limiting the number of polling stations in Russia compared to those in Western countries.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed concerns about the suppression and violation of electoral rights for many Moldovans. A preliminary list from Moldova's Central Election Commission indicates two polling stations will be established in Russia, both within the Moldovan Embassy in Moscow. The final list of polling stations will be confirmed by August 24.
In the upcoming September 28 election, Moldovan President Maia Sandu's Party of Action and Solidarity, which holds a parliamentary majority, will face a unified opposition bloc formed by four parties. President Sandu has accused Russia of planning to interfere in the election to gain political control, a claim that Moscow has denied.