Moldova’s elections in 2025: A crossroads for democracy, diaspora, and EU ambitions

As Moldova approaches parliamentary elections on 28 September 2025, debates about fairness, access to the ballot, and the country’s European future have intensified. Voting arrangements in Transnistria, reduced polling in Russia, and wider concerns over democratic standards make this election a defining moment.

Voting in Transnistria: A persistent flashpoint

Transnistria, the breakaway region on the left bank of the Dniester River, is home to more than 300,000 residents holding Moldovan passports. Yet their ability to vote has been steadily curtailed:

• In 2021, 42 polling stations were available.
• By 2024, this had been cut to 30.
• For the 2025 elections, the Central Election Commission (CEC) has reduced this further to just 12 polling stations.

Critics argue this represents systematic disenfranchisement of a population that has traditionally voted for left-leaning or opposition parties. Some CEC members themselves voiced concern, saying flexible arrangements such as multi-day voting could have been used to ensure access, as permitted by law.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly mission, which visited Chișinău in September, echoed these concerns, noting the reduced polling infrastructure in Transnistria and reporting cases of voter intimidation and an imbalance in government resources.

Meanwhile, Moldovan authorities defend the reductions, citing security risks linked to the war in neighbouring Ukraine and the difficulties of organising free elections in a territory not under government control. Officials argue that security considerations must take precedence, but opposition voices dismiss this as a “catch-all excuse” to restrict participation.

Diaspora and Russia: Reduced options abroad

Restrictions also affect Moldovan citizens abroad. In Russia, where hundreds of thousands of Moldovans reside, only two polling stations in Moscow will operate, compared with 17 across the country in earlier elections. Opposition parties say this reflects distrust of Moldovans living in Russia and makes participation almost impossible for many.

In contrast, polling stations in EU countries have been expanded, reflecting both diaspora demands and security preferences. Critics fear this tilt may distort the balance of overseas votes, particularly since Moldovan diaspora communities in the West have been more supportive of the pro-European government.

Government vs. opposition narratives

• Opposition: Accuses President Maia Sandu and the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) of manipulating voting access, deliberately weakening participation in Transnistria, Gagauzia and Russia—regions where opposition is strong.
• Government: Rejects these accusations, arguing that logistics and security explain the decisions, and stresses that the Constitution and Election Code are being respected.

Some media outlets in Transnistria and Russia claim that a draft CEC resolution exists to completely shut down polling in Transnistria. EU Reporter found no independent confirmation of this; our own investigations and analysis warn it is disinformation designed to delegitimise the vote.

Why fairness matters for the EU track

The fairness of voting in Transnistria is more than a domestic issue. It directly influences perceptions in Brussels about Moldova’s readiness for EU membership, which was narrowly anchored into the constitution in a 2024 referendum. OSCE assessments will weigh heavily on how European leaders judge Moldova’s reform progress.

Unrestricted, credible access to voting is considered essential.

Disenfranchisement in Transnistria risks undermining public trust at home and political support abroad.

Broader pressures

Alongside voting access, Moldova faces:

• Economic strains: poverty, reliance on remittances (~30% GDP), high emigration.
• Security concerns: disinformation, cyber threats, Russian interference.
• Political competition: new blocs like “Alternative” and “For Moldova,” alongside the controversial “Victory” bloc linked to Ilan Șor, could reshape the electoral map.

The 2025 elections will be decisive not just for Moldova’s parliament but for its trajectory toward Europe. Whether voters in Transnistria and Russia can exercise their rights fairly and freely will be one of the most closely watched aspects of this democratic test.

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