Moldova holds local elections amid Russian meddling allegation

Moldovans go to the polls on Sunday to elect mayors of villages, towns and cities after the president accused Moscow of meddling in the votes in Ukraine’s western neighbour and a pro-Russian party was barred from the race.
The last national vote before presidential elections in November 2024 comes as the ex-Soviet state tries to advance its bid to join the European Union and leave Russia’s orbit.
Pro-European President Maia Sandu has denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of plotting to oust her in a coup. This week, she accused Russia of “buying” voters by funneling $5 million to “criminal groups” led by fugitive businessman Ilan Shor in the last two months.
The election to pick 12,000 officials pits dozens of parties against each other, including Sandu’s ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) and the pro-Russian Revival party linked to Shor, who has been convicted in absentia for fraud.
On Friday, the Chance party, also associated with Shor, was barred from the vote on security grounds.