Moldova's Democratic Dilemma: Balancing EU Aspirations with Political Suppression

This year must serve as a timely reminder that free and fair elections are the bedrock of any democracy. Amidst the frenzied election cycles taking place in the United States and India, the presidential election in my native country of Moldova will also be held this October. My country is, however, built on weak foundations. Ethnic and political differences are deep-rooted across this nation, with democracy providing the only means by which our country can unite, writes Stanislav Pavlovschi , former Justice Minister of Moldova.
Truly representative democracy offers a shining light for Moldova to emerge as a modern, progressive nation, where both majority and minority groups can have their voices heard.
Regrettably, the current government, under President Maia Sandu, seems to be set on consolidating control through the suppression of political parties.
This will take Moldova backwards - not forwards - redolent of the chaos that ensued after Communist rule. As Moldova now looks to start negotiations to eventually join the EU and embrace a brighter future, there must be recognition of the dangers that denying Moldovans an equal stake in society will bring not just for our country, but for all of Europe.
To be frank, Moldova has never been what you would call an ‘open society’. Corruption has been rampant through Moldovan politics since its independence, with the first presidential elections, held back in 1991, being won by the unopposed former Soviet Chairman in Moldova. The country has now, however, been independent for over 30 years and can no longer be excused for its lack of fair and democratic practice.

President Sandu was elected in 2020 on the promise of tackling corruption and uniting the country, and it is a shame that since taking power, her government has shown time and time again their disdain for a free and fair political environment. Despite her promises, levels of electoral fraud have risen during Sandu’s premiership, with twice as many electoral violations in 2023’s local elections than in 2019, according to the OSCE. We have also borne witness to blatant examples of political suppression.

The banning of the Chance Party last year, in particular, was an egregious example of voter suppression and was even condemned by the Venice Commission of the OSCE who expressed that: "the blanket exclusion of candidates without a possibility for effective legal remedy is contrary to OSCE commitments and international standards''.
At the close of last year, Sandu brazenly proposed the simultaneous scheduling of a referendum on EU membership alongside the presidential election, disregarding the established norms and compromising the integrity of the electoral process. Moldovan legislation had previously barred the amalgamation of national elections with a referendum, yet, under Sandu's leadership, the Government has opted to amend this rule. Sandu has sought to justify this unprecedented move by asserting that the outcome of the referendum would profoundly shape the country's trajectory for years to come.

However, the reality exposes Sandu's ulterior motive: this manoeuvre serves as a calculated strategy to bolster her own political fortunes. By aligning her presidential bid with an EU referendum, Sandu stands to gain additional support on election day, in a cynical bid for re-election at the detriment of the Moldovan electorate and all modern electoral principles.

As a former European Court of Human Rights judge, and an EU citizen myself, I have been a long-time believer in the European project and it is even a dream of mine to see Moldova within the EU. There will however be no celebration on my part if Moldova is to enter through these underhanded means.
Taking a longer view, this tramping of the democratic process will only spell danger for the EU. If Sandu’s government is to continue with their abuse of power, while successfully pursuing integration into the EU, the democratic credentials of the bloc will be weakened. We have seen how strongmen have strong-armed and weakened the standing of the EU as a legitimate counterbalance to Putin’s authoritarianism.
We must not allow another regime who does not respect the basic principles of democracy into the bloc that is designed to defend and uphold these values. As a lawyer by trade, I have a deep respect for the law, and it pains me to see my home country drift further towards the authoritarianism that has already been seen to blight Europe and its institutions.
Stanislav Pavlovschi is the former Justice Minister of Moldova and was a judge on the European Court of Human Rights from 2001-08.

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