“The upcoming parliamentary elections will be decisive for Moldova’s future and for Europe as a whole. In a polarised society and a tense geopolitical climate, the process must remain inclusive and fair for all citizens, at home and abroad,” said Chris Said (Malta, EPP/CD), Head of the PACE pre-election delegation, concluding a two-day visit to Chisinau on 3-4 September 2025.

The four-member cross-party delegation* met with the President of the Republic, the Speaker of Parliament, election contestants, members of the Central Election Commission (CEC), and heads of key institutions including the State Integrity Agency and the Audio-visual Council. They also held discussions with journalists, civil society organisations, international partners, and members of the Moldovan delegation to PACE.

The delegation recognised the determination of the Moldovan authorities to organise credible elections despite immense pressures and threats of foreign interference, both analogue and digital, flagged to the delegation. It welcomed the existence of a competitive political landscape, legislative steps against electoral corruption, stronger regulation of party financing, the preparatory work of the CEC, and the active role of civil society in promoting transparency and accountability.

At the same time, the delegation noted concerns that could undermine public confidence if left unaddressed. These include the misuse of administrative resources, the lack of a level playing field for all candidates, shortcomings in campaign finance transparency, and the sharp reduction in polling stations for voters residing on the left bank of the Nistru River, which risks disenfranchising many citizens.

The delegation stressed that, in the face of a divided society and amid intense Russian attempts to influence the electoral process, the authorities carry a special responsibility to guarantee pluralism, security and equal democratic space for all citizens. Ensuring an open and impartial environment for domestic and international observers will also be essential.

It further underlined the importance of making out-of-country voting genuinely accessible. While the number of polling stations abroad has significantly increased, serious limitations remain in some countries due to security or other restrictions. The delegation noted that out-of-country voting is a sensitive issue, so it encouraged the authorities to explore practical solutions such as opening polling stations over two days and, for future elections, extending postal voting to all countries where significant communities of Moldovans reside.

There is still time before election day to build confidence: ensuring the neutral behaviour of state institutions, strengthening campaign finance transparency, including online, providing clear and sufficient information to voters abroad, guaranteeing fair media coverage while sanctioning hate speech, and protecting journalists against attacks.

The Assembly will return with a larger delegation to observe the elections in close co-operation with its international partners. The delegation calls on all political actors to conduct their campaigns responsibly and inclusively so that these elections reinforce Moldova’s European path and meet the highest democratic standards.

 Composition of the delegation: Chris Said (Malta, EPP/CD) – Head of the delegation, Gerardo Giovagnoli (San Marino, SOC), Lucia Plaváková (Slovak Republic, ALDE), Pierre-Alain Fridez (Switzerland, SOC) – Co-rapporteur AS/MON (ex officio).