Pro-European Party Wins Majority in Moldova Local Elections Amid Accusations of Russian Interference

Despite securing victories in many areas, Moldova's pro-European party faces setbacks in capital and key cities in local elections marred by allegations of $5 million Russian funding to destabilize the vote.

OSCE reported that the local elections in Moldova were impacted negatively due to foreign interference and the suspension of the Chance opposition party affiliated with fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, with allegations of Russia 'buying' voters by funneling $5 million to criminal groups.
Despite numerous victories in local elections, the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), currently in power, lost mayoral seats in capital city Chisinau and other key cities.
Ion Ceban, the incumbent mayor of Chisinau, closely linked to a pro-Russian stance, managed to retain his position with slightly over 50% of the vote, defeating his PAS opponent.
PAS, despite suffering setbacks in larger cities, claimed victory in 240 out of 898 localities and carried strong representation in the Chisinau Municipal Council with 20 seats.
This election, skewed by foreign intervention and internal political maneuvering, sets a challenging stage for PAS as Moldova continues its bid to join the European Union and distances itself from Russia's influence in preparation for the 2024 presidential election.