Moldovan Government Concerned About Potential Russian Interference in Presidential Elections

chisinau - The Moldovan government has raised concerns with several EU countries about possible Russian interference in the upcoming presidential elections.

The government of Moldova has reached out to various EU countries regarding the potential Russian interference in the presidential elections scheduled for Sunday. A Moldovan government source told Reuters that they believe Russia may attempt to disrupt the voting of Moldovan expatriates in polling stations abroad.

The anonymous source warned that polling stations in Italy, Germany, Spain, and Romania could be targeted with actions such as false bomb threats. The source also mentioned polling stations outside the EU, specifically in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

During the previous round of elections in October, the government of the incumbent pro-European President Maia Sandu reported attempts of election fraud. Sandu had stated that groups paid by Russia had tried to buy votes.

In the first round last month, Sandu received more votes than her pro-Russian rival Alexandr Stoianoglo, but did not secure the majority needed to be declared the winner. As a result, Moldovans will go back to the polls on Sunday. The first round of elections had coincided with a referendum on Moldova's potential EU membership, where a slim majority of voters expressed support for joining the EU.