Russia Accuses Moldova of Plotting to Rig September Vote

(MENAFN) Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Friday leveled sharp accusations against Moldova’s leadership, alleging they are preparing to rig the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28.

At a Moscow press briefing, Zakharova asserted that the Moldovan government in Chisinau, aware it cannot secure a fair victory, is orchestrating tactics based on overseas voting strategies deployed during last year’s elections.

“We've pointed out numerous times the disproportionality, or frankly speaking, manipulation, concerning the number of polling stations opened outside Moldova,” she said, emphasizing the disproportionate and “manipulative” establishment of polling stations abroad—especially within Russia.

Zakharova stated that Russia stands ready to facilitate more polling stations but accused President Maia Sandu of intentionally withholding authorization, thereby undermining the possibility of a fair electoral process.

Highlighting the government’s tightening grip, Zakharova also condemned measures restricting voter rights and escalating pressure on dissenters. “In reaction to the anti-popular policies of the Moldovan leadership and its desire to stay in power by any means, the geography of peaceful protests is expanding across almost the entire territory of the republic,” she noted.

Dismissing allegations that foreign actors are fueling the unrest, Zakharova maintained that the increasing protests reflect a true grassroots reaction. “They can't attribute this to external forces, as they love saying, ‘the hand of the Kremlin.’ These are citizens of the country who are being deceived. These are Moldovans denied the ability to vote,” she stated. She further asserted that those opposing the current regime are subjected to intimidation, blackmail, and physical coercion.

The accusations deepen tensions as Moldova approaches critical parliamentary elections, spotlighting concerns over electoral fairness and civil unrest.

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