Russia accused of meddling as Moldova votes amid tension
On the day of the second round of the presidential elections in Moldova, Stanislav Secrieru, President Maia Sandu's security advisor, is raising concerns about massive Russian interference in the electoral process. Pro-European Maia Sandu and pro-Russian candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo are competing for the highest office in the state.
3:48 PM EST, November 3, 2024
According to Secrieru, Russian actions have a "high potential to distort the election outcome." "The authorities are on high alert," he wrote on platform X, citing examples of interference from Russia and pro-Russian forces.
In the separatist region of Transnistria, controlled by Russia, organized voter transportation is taking place, which Moldovan law prohibits. Secrieru refers to information from observers of the Promo Lex organization, noting that the turnout in this region by 6 AM Eastern Time had already exceeded the level from the entire first round.
Transports, restaurant vouchers
"We are also seeing organized transports from Russia - buses and large charter flights are bringing voters to polling stations in Baku, Istanbul, and Minsk, according to Russian propaganda channels," Secrieru noted. He published a video from the Russian propaganda agency Sputnik showing a plane to Minsk full of Moldovans with passports. The plane may carry 260 to 400 people, indicating the "large-scale organized transportation of voters." According to police and media findings, these transports are organized free of charge.
He also published a photo of flyers received by the Moldovan diaspora voting in Moscow. As a "reward" for participating in the elections - and casting the appropriate vote - such individuals receive an invitation to a restaurant.
Cyberattacks from the Kremlin
The advisor also reported a cyberattack on the Central Election Commission's website. "All of this is happening against the backdrop of a months-long campaign of vote-buying by Russia through intermediaries, paid ‘activists,’ social networks, bots, and special applications," he added.
According to police, in September and October, a total of $39 million illegally entered the country for this purpose.
The elections in Moldova are taking place amid tension and disinformation. President Maia Sandu and the pro-European government are targets of propaganda attacks, and citizens are receiving threatening letters and phone calls. False information is being spread about the European Union, the West, and Russia's war against Ukraine. Despite this, polling stations will remain open until 2 PM Eastern Time, and authorities are urging caution and active participation in the elections.
