Moldova Bars Pro-Russian Party From Parliamentary Election Amid Corruption Allegations

Ahead of Moldova's crucial parliamentary elections, the pro-Russian Heart of Moldova party, part of the Patriotic Bloc alliance, was barred from participating by the Central Election Commission based on a court ruling restricting the party's activities for one year due to allegations of voter bribery, illegal financing, and money laundering. The bloc has 24 hours to revise its candidate list to comply with electoral law. The decision intensifies tensions in a polarized election seen as a contest between pro-European forces, led by President Maia Sandu's Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), and Russia-friendly parties seeking Moldova's neutrality and closer ties to Moscow. Heart of Moldova's leader Irina Vlah condemned the ban as politically motivated and part of a prearranged campaign to silence opposition. The election's outcome could significantly affect Moldova's EU membership ambitions and its geopolitical orientation amid accusations of Russian interference and widespread disinformation. The ruling PAS risks losing its parliamentary majority, potentially complicating Moldova's path toward EU integration.