IDU Statement on Russia’s Interference in Moldova’s Elections

The International Democracy Union (IDU) is gravely concerned by credible reports of hybrid interference by the Russian Federation in the Republic of Moldova’s parliamentary elections scheduled for Sunday, 28 September 2025. According to Moldovan authorities, these efforts include a large-scale vote‑buying scheme, more than 1,000 cyberattacks on critical government infrastructure this year, plans to incite riots on election day, and a sprawling online disinformation campaign aimed at swaying voters. Evidence presented by Prime Minister Dorin Recean shows that the vote‑buying is being financed by the Russian Federation.

Investigative reports reveal that Russian proxies have recruited Moldovan citizens into a coordinated disinformation campaign on TikTok and Facebook, paying them to spread AI‑generated content attacking President Maia Sandu and the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS). This is part of Moscow’s broader “Doppelganger” campaign, in which cloned websites and fake social‑media accounts disseminate false narratives to undermine public trust. Leaked documents indicate that Russian strategists plan to mobilize diaspora voters, organize protests and stage unrest in Moldova to weaken the government and secure a Kremlin‑friendly majority in Parliament. Moldovan law enforcement has already seized hundreds of thousands of dollars and detained dozens of suspects linked to Russian‑backed money‑laundering and propaganda schemes.

The IDU applauds the swift and decisive actions taken by Moldovan authorities to expose and counter these malign activities, and we express our unwavering support for the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) in its pursuit of a democratic, European future. Despite intimidation and hybrid attacks, PAS continues to champion the rule of law, transparency and closer integration with democratic values.

The IDU calls for the following actions from the international democratic community:

• Provide cyber‑security assistance and technical support to help Moldova defend its electoral infrastructure against ongoing cyberattacks.
• Condemn and sanction the individuals and networks responsible for financing and executing vote‑buying schemes and disinformation campaigns.
• Deploy independent election observers to monitor polling stations, online platforms and diaspora voting to ensure a free and fair vote.
• Increase economic and security assistance to Moldova and accelerate its EU accession process, reinforcing the resilience of its democratic institutions.

We urge all Moldovan voters to remain vigilant against foreign interference and to participate peacefully in the democratic process. The International Democracy Union stands shoulder to shoulder with PAS and with every Moldovan citizen committed to safeguarding their sovereignty and charting a course toward Europe.