Kremlin Raises Concerns Over Vote Counting in Moldova

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has expressed doubts regarding the vote counting in the presidential elections and constitutional referendum in Moldova, which addressed the country’s potential accession to the European Union. According to him, there are “many questions” surrounding the voting results.

In a statement reported by the Russian agency Interfax, Peskov emphasized that the observed indicators and their fluctuations raise significant concerns. He noted, “The data we are seeing indeed raises many questions. Specifically, the rate of increase in votes for Maia Sandu and other participants in the referendum who support European integration appears anomalous.”

Peskov also commented on the conditions of the electoral campaign in Moldova, pointing out that “opposition forces” were deprived of the opportunity to campaign and participate in the electoral process due to persecution, detentions, and other restrictions.

He urged President Maia Sandu to provide evidence of interference by “criminal groups” supported by foreign powers, which she alleged just prior to his remarks.

During the vote counting for the referendum, the results indicated that support for the European integration course only slightly surpassed opposition after processing protocols from polling stations abroad, which traditionally hold pro-European positions.

On Monday morning, technical issues arose with the website of Moldova’s Central Election Commission, and the election results were not loading.

In Moldova, presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on joining the European Union are currently taking place. The incumbent president, Maia Sandu, advocates for Euro-integration, while the opposition, supported by Russia, insists on an alternative course.

Amid heightened political tension, Sandu accuses her opponents of falsifications and interference in the elections. Moldovan authorities have also reported the exposure of a Russia-backed operation aimed at influencing the voting outcomes.

Moldova began formal EU accession talks in June, and Sandu has set a goal of joining the EU by 2030.