Action & Solidarity Party expected to win Moldovan elections amid concerns of unfair conditions

The Moldovan parliamentary elections are currently underway, with the Action & Solidarity Party (PAS) expected to secure between 50-52% of the vote, according to preliminary assessments. The vote count is anticipated to begin shortly, although timely updates on voter turnout and any incidents during the voting process may not be available due to scheduling conflicts.

Concerns have been raised regarding the fairness of the elections, with allegations that the electoral conditions have favored PAS. Critics point to the composition of the Electoral Commission, which is reportedly dominated by PAS members, and the actions of media outlets such as Ziarul de Gardă, which published critical pieces against PAS"s opponents just before the election, despite a ban on electoral propaganda.

Igor Grosu, the speaker of the Moldovan Parliament, indicated that if PAS does not achieve at least 50% of the vote, the party will pursue legal avenues for a recount. If that fails, they may declare the election results "sabotaged," following a precedent set in Romania. Grosu also stated that PAS does not intend to share power with other political formations if they do not win a majority.

In a related statement, former Prime Minister Ion Sturza, an ally of PAS, outlined a strategy for potential defeat, suggesting that President Maia Sandu would refuse to appoint a pro-Russian prime minister, which could lead to a constitutional crisis and trigger snap elections. This scenario could result in a cycle of short-lived governments, similar to the situation in Bulgaria.

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Recently, PAS passed a law extending the powers of the Supreme Security Council (CSS), a body led by the president and composed of key government officials. The law criminalizes the refusal to implement CSS decisions, which are made in secret and cannot be appealed in court. This move has raised further concerns about the consolidation of power by PAS and the implications for Moldova"s EU integration.

For more information on the elections, see previous reports on the start of the elections.