A man allows a child to vote during the parliamentary elections in Chisinau, Moldova, September 28, 2025. AP/Vadim Ghirda
As reported by the publication NewsMaker
Moldova’s parliamentary elections are ongoing. According to the Central Election Commission, as of 17:45, more than 1.3 million voters had cast their ballots, which is about 44.98% of the active electorate and exceeds the minimum threshold of 33.33% required to confirm the electoral legitimacy.
In particular, NewsMaker reports that Prime Minister Dorin Recean stated that a series of cyber incidents over the weekend caused disruptions on about 4,000 websites. According to the head of government, the government-run cybersecurity service STISC blocked one platform after a large-scale attack on the electoral infrastructure.
“We detected and neutralized all attacks in real time, with no harm to the electoral process.”
According to the government Telegram channel, the targets of the cyberattacks included the CEC platform (CEC.md), state cloud services, automated systems, and some polling stations abroad.
A woman holds a child during voting in the Moldovan parliamentary elections in Chisinau, Moldova, September 28, 2025. AP/Vadim Ghirda
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reported receiving notices of alleged bomb threats to several overseas polling stations. Among them were polling stations in Brussels (Belgium), Rome and Genoa (Italy), Bucharest (Romania), Asheville (USA) and Alicante (Spain).
“Bomb-threat notifications began exactly as authorities had warned earlier that this would occur within Russia’s intervention in Moldova’s electoral process.”
The department also noted that state institutions had prepared clear procedures for such a scenario and established cooperation with partners abroad to keep the electoral process stable.
Election monitoring cameras placed at polling stations continue to operate, monitoring the voting equipment and ensuring their security until polls close.
According to NewsMaker, Promo-LEX recorded 254 confirmed voting violations. The most widespread cases included violations of voting secrecy (85 cases, mostly due to photographing ballots) and group voting (30 cases). Illegal campaigning and the presence of unauthorized persons at polling stations were also recorded. In addition, problems with voter lists were identified, and hundreds of polling stations remain inaccessible for people with disabilities.
What is known about Moldova’s parliamentary elections
On September 28 Moldova began another round of parliamentary elections, in which citizens elect 101 deputies for a four-year term. For the first time in these elections, postal voting for the diaspora was introduced.
Polling stations opened at 7:00 and will operate until 21:00 local time. In the race for seats in the parliament, 23 contenders are competing: 15 parties, 4 blocs, and 4 independent candidates. These elections are considered decisive, as they will show Moldova’s development direction – the euro-integration path or alignment with other geopolitical influences.
The main contest is unfolding between the “Action and Solidarity” party (PAS), led by President Maia Sandu, and the “Patriotic Bloc” – the pro-Russian opposition.
To confirm the legitimacy of the elections, turnout must reach at least a third of the total list. Only forces that overcome the respective thresholds will enter Parliament: 5% for parties, 7% for blocs, and 2% for independent candidates.
Regarding the influence from Russia, the president and experts noted that Moscow is increasing its activity in the region and abroad, using disinformation and support for pro-Russian forces. In particular, networks such as “Matryoshka” and other influence mechanisms aimed at misinforming and pressuring voting were noted.
At the same time, authorities urge citizens abroad to remain vigilant, follow the law, and support the stability of the electoral process.
Useful reading:
- Moldova’s parliamentary elections on September 28 reveal a tight race between pro-European PAS and the opposition Patriotic Bloc, highlighting regional divides and the challenge of balancing EU integration with Russian influence.
- Moldova holds parliamentary elections on September 28, introducing postal voting for the diaspora amid concerns of Russian interference and a pivotal choice between European integration and Russian ties.
- Moldovan President Maia Sandu warns of intensified Russian interference in the September 2025 parliamentary elections, targeting overseas voters with disinformation and propaganda campaigns.
