russia Has Stepped up Its Interference in the Elections: Moldova Is Being Attacked by Pseudo-Observers

Moldova is becoming the epicenter of russia’s interest due to the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28. Dozens of individuals with questionable reputations are attempting to obtain accreditation as international observers. Some of them previously participated in so-called referendums in Crimea, in temporarily occupied territories of the Donbas, as well as in  Abkhazia, creating the illusion of legitimacy of the processes.

Among the potential “observers” – Serbian activist Dragana Trifkovic, who has openly collaborated with pro-russian structures, and Italian Vito Grittani, who has Abkhaz citizenship and has repeatedly acted as an “international expert” in pseudo-elections. Both are already listed in the European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE)’s database of fake observers.

The largest group of applications – about 30 – was submitted by the African organization Institut Africa Solidarité. Despite the previous lack of interest in the Moldovan elections, its representatives actively cooperated with russia, in particular they participated in the BRICS summit in Kazan and even in russian “elections”.  Some of them have no experience in politics or public activity.

Moldova’s Central Election Commission says that applications are carefully checked by the Information and Security Service. It is possible that those who are rejected will (on russia’s orders)  use this as an excuse to declare the elections “undemocratic”.

The electoral process in Moldova is monitored by international missions, whose presence provides an additional level of control. This helps to ensure the transparency of the vote and reduce the likelihood of russia’s manipulations or attempts to discredit the results.