Moldova votes on president and EU membership this Sunday

In Moldova, voters participated in two significant electoral events in October 2024: a presidential election and a referendum regarding European Union membership. Amid these events, Ilan Shor, a Moldovan oligarch residing in Russia, reportedly offered financial incentives to encourage voters to support pro-Russian candidates and reject EU prospects. Shor has a controversial history, having been convicted for a major bank fraud case in Moldova. His campaigns seem aimed at reversing Moldova's pro-Western trajectory, intensified since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Energy reliance on Russia has strained Moldova, particularly after significant gas supply cuts. The Moldovan government, led by President Maia Sandu, has sought alternative routes to strengthen ties with Western Europe. Public sentiment has shifted as many Moldovans view the war in Ukraine and subsequent Russian actions as a direct threat, motivating a desire for alignment with Europe. However, some local political groups remain influenced by Moscow, complicating the electoral landscape. According to Moldovan authorities, evidence suggests a coordinated effort by Russia to undermine both the presidential election and the EU membership referendum, including reports of voter bribery. Such intervention reflects broader concerns regarding Russian influence in former Soviet states, showcasing both efforts to manipulate elections and an acknowledgment of its diminishing support. As Moldova navigates this electoral battleground, the outcome may significantly impact the country's direction, potentially strengthening or weakening ties with the West based on voter decisions and external pressures.