ELECTIONS 2025 | LIVE: CEC validates elections; expert sees pro-European majority in new Parliament
Moldova goes to the polls on Sunday, 28 September, to elect its new Parliament. The vote is widely regarded as a crucial test for the country's future direction, with a choice between closer ties with the European Union (EU) and Russia.
23.45 Laurențiu Pleșca on Moldova 1 TV: Diaspora turnout, low pro-Russian vote signal pro-European majority
The electoral dynamics and the massive vote from the diaspora confirm a pro-European trend in the future Legislature, supported by a record presence of the diaspora and low participation in traditionally pro-Russian areas. However, the risks of destabilization orchestrated from outside and attempts to challenge the legitimacy of the election require increased vigilance, warned political expert Laurențiu Pleșca, in a special edition on Moldova 1 TV.
"Comparing the votes in the country versus the votes in the diaspora, we see that in the country at least there is a lower presence in the northern regions of the country, which traditionally vote with the pro-Russian side, and in the Transnistrian region, although we see organized transport, the presence is lower, which indicates that in these elections we may have a pro-European majority," explained Bucharest-based political scientist Laurențiu Pleșca, on Sunday evening, on Moldova 1 TV.
The expert emphasized that the election is marked by a historic participation of the diaspora, consolidating its role in defining the electoral result.
"First of all, I would like to mention that, in these elections on September 28, we have an absolute record of the presence of the diaspora in the parliamentary elections. The appetite of the voters is greater. (...) However, we have some differences compared to previous elections: in the Russian Federation we see a lower presence compared to last year. Of course, we see in the Western diaspora the mobilization that maintains the same trend in Western Europe", Pleșca also stated, emphasizing that the accentuated mobilization in Western Europe contributes significantly to the pro-European orientation of the vote.
Pleșca anticipated that the diaspora vote will influence the composition of the Parliament.
"If we analyze the share, it exceeds 16%, which means that the diaspora of the Republic of Moldova appoints almost 16 deputies to the Parliament, which is impressive, considering the turnout and the other electoral elections", the political analyst stated.
The expert warned of attempts to undermine the electoral process, indicating a coordinated operation with possible violent implications. He added that "certain actors have spoken about the fact that the elections in the Republic of Moldova could be fraudulent and have prepared the ground for this", which amplifies the risks for post-electoral stability.
23.30 Several supporters of the Patriotic Bloc protested in front of the CEC
Several supporters of the Patriotic Electoral Bloc (BEP), led by leaders Igor Dodon and Vasile Tarlev, took to the streets on Sunday evening, organizing a protest in front of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC). The demonstration lasted a few minutes, as counter-protesters also arrived at the scene, who declared that they were defending the European course of the Republic of Moldova.
The BEP called on the CEC to "free, fair elections and a fair vote count."
On the other hand, the counter-protesters stated that they represented a group of veterans and had come out to defend state institutions.
"They only arrived from behind; they came here in cars. And when they saw us, that's it, they left," one of the veterans told the Moldova 1 TV reporter who was at the scene.
22:58 Protest in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized by activists of parties affiliated with Șor
Several supporters of parties associated with the convicted Ilan Shor gathered in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) holding banners that read: "MFA, stop falsifications at polling stations abroad."
The protesters are also calling for the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi, who is Minister of Foreign Affairs and a candidate for the parliamentary elections from the Action and Solidarity Party.
Additionally, Vasile Tarlev, one of the leaders of the Patriotic Bloc, has announced a protest scheduled for 11:00 p.m. in front of the Central Electoral Commission.
Earlier, the General Inspectorate of Police reported that they had information about certain groups planning to cause disorder and destabilization in Chișinău, starting at midnight and continuing throughout Monday, coinciding with the announced protest in the capital.
On the evening of September 28, three individuals believed to be responsible for organizing mass disturbances were detained.
Law enforcement agencies have stated that they will not tolerate any illegal activities that disrupt public order, endanger citizens, or compromise national security.
21:55 Our Party to invite all political parties to dialogue after results are known
After the results of the parliamentary elections on September 28 are clear, the Our Party will invite all parties to the negotiating table. The announcement was made by the leader of the party, Renato Usatîi, after the closing of the polling stations for the parliamentary elections on September 28.
Usatîi thanked the voters for their exemplary mobilization, both in the country and in the diaspora. “I thank the citizens who travelled hundreds of kilometres today to get to the polling station, to demonstrate that they are true patriots of the Republic of Moldova. I thank those who, even while at work, still found time to go to vote. The vote of each citizen is a gesture of dignity, courage and, very importantly for me, love for the Republic of Moldova,” he said.
Also, the leader of Our Party sent a message to the party’s observers: “Please take care of every vote… we can only assume that every vote will count.”
In his speech, Usatîi criticized the government for "scares and manipulations" and ridiculed the scenarios related to the involvement of the Russian Federation. Also, he assured that his party rejects any attempt at destabilization.
Referring to the final results, Usatîi hinted that the election could bring surprises: "I think there will be two surprises in these elections. One will definitely be Our Party."
21:27 Ceban: 'Our goal is to solve the daily problems of citizens'
“The Republic of Moldova needs tranquility, peace, and unity. This is what we all desire, and together, we must stand shoulder to shoulder to solve the daily problems faced by our citizens,” stated Ion Ceban, the leader of the “Alternative Movement” Party, shortly after the polling stations closed.
Ceban expressed his gratitude to voters for their strong turnout on election day, noting that participation exceeded expectations.
“I want to thank all the citizens of the Republic of Moldova who mobilized and came to the polling stations in such large numbers—far beyond what any public opinion poll or expert predicted,” he said.
However, Ceban also pointed out that the leaders of the "Alternative" Bloc observed several violations during the electoral process on election day. “Unfortunately, we noted many violations of national legislation, some of which were documented and contested. As I mentioned earlier, the highest officials in the state continued a hateful discourse that is simply unacceptable,” he added.
21:21** PSRM announces peaceful protest in front of Parliament on September 29**
A peaceful protest "without party flags, with an open microphone for representatives of the opposition, civil society and opinion leaders" will be organized on Monday, September 29, by the Patriotic Electoral Bloc of Socialists, Communists, Heart and Future of Moldova. The announcement was made by Igor Dodon, the leader of the Socialists, after the polling stations closed in the parliamentary elections.
Dodon also stated that the opposition parties intend to contest several documented violations during the elections both in the country and abroad.
According to him, access to the ballot boxes of citizens from the left bank of the Nistru was restricted, and the government tried to influence the results through "abusive measures and provocations".
The leader of the Socialists also stated that the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) "is in a panic" after the results from the diaspora and appealed to state institutions, especially the police, not to allow pressure on citizens.
"We will not tolerate destabilization and we are categorically against such scenarios," Dodon said at a briefing after the polls closed.
21.16 Igor Grosu: 'Despite destabilization attempts, citizens chose Moldova’s future'
"The future of the Republic of Moldova is not just for the next four years, but for many, many years to come," is the message sent by the leader of the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), Igor Grosu, after the closing of the polling stations in the parliamentary elections on September 28.
The official thanked citizens for their participation and urged calm and vigilance until the vote counting was completed.
Grosu noted that the voting day was marked by "attempts to interfere in the electoral process by criminal groups supported by the Russian Federation, attempts to destabilize the situation, bomb threats and other provocations" both on the territory of the Republic of Moldova and outside the country.
The PAS leader called for patience and calm, especially regarding voting from the diaspora, where the electoral process continued even after the closing time of the polling stations in the country.
“I appeal to Moldovans in the diaspora to use the hours they have available to go and vote for the future of the Republic of Moldova,” he stressed.
Grosu also had an appeal for members of polling station bureaus: “To be vigilant until the closing of the polling stations, during the voting process and, of course, during the vote counting process.”
At the same time, he sent a message to political actors who tried to send signals of destabilization: “I ask you to think first of all about the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, about the future of this country and not about selfish party interests.”
Igor Grosu assured that state institutions will do everything necessary to maintain order and stability until the completion of the electoral process.
“Our law enforcement institutions will do everything necessary to preserve peace and stability for the smooth conduct of the electoral process,” he concluded.
20:45 28.09.2028
Police warn of possible Monday protest disruptions; three detained
Three individuals, including two brothers who have been under police surveillance for nearly two months, were detained by officers from the National Investigation Inspectorate and the Fulger police unit. They are allegedly involved in planning mass disturbances following the elections held on September 28.
The operation to detain them was carried out in collaboration with the Intelligence and Security Service and the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS). This operation is part of a criminal case focused on the preparation for destabilization and disorder immediately after the electoral vote and during an upcoming protest in the capital.
According to police reports, the two detained brothers work in law enforcement on the left bank of the Nistru and are responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and providing logistical support to protest groups.
During the detention and subsequent searches, various items were discovered on the three suspects, including pyrotechnics and flammable materials, which were intended to incite panic and chaos among the crowd.
19:28 28.09.2025
Over 11,300 voters from the left bank of the Nistru participated in the election by 7:00 p.m.
Over 11,300 voters from the localities on the left bank of the Nistru had gone to the polls by 7:00 p.m., according to the Central Electoral Commission (CEC). The bomb alerts that targeted the polling stations intended for voters in the eastern districts turned out to be false, they have resumed their activity, and voting continues under secure conditions, announced the CEC chairwoman, Angelica Caraman.
In total, by 7:00 p.m., over 1,475,000 voters had gone to the polling stations in the country and abroad, which represents over 48% of the number of those registered on the lists. By comparison, in the early parliamentary elections on July 11, 2021, approximately 1.3 million people (43%) had voted by the same time. In the second round of the 2024 presidential election, the turnout was over 1.6 million voters (52.3%).
The most active at the polls were women, who represent 54% of those who have voted so far. From the perspective of age categories, the most numerous voters were citizens aged between 36 and 45 (23%), followed by those in the 46–55 segment (17.8%).
At polling stations opened abroad, over 233,000 citizens had voted by 7:00 p.m.
The Central Electoral Commission also reported 217 incidents and violations of electoral legislation. Most cases, 86 in number, concern photographing the ballot, followed by 10 situations of electoral agitation, nine cases of suspected voter corruption, seven cases of organized transportation, as well as several situations of damage to ballots, unauthorized electoral display or violation of the right to vote.
A new case of removing the ballot from the polling station was also documented.
19.33 28.09.2025
Police warn of possible destabilization from midnight
On Sunday evening, September 28, the National Police announced that they have received information about certain groups planning to create disorder and instability in Chisinau, starting at midnight and continuing throughout Monday, when a protest is scheduled in the capital.
Law enforcement agencies stated that they will not tolerate any violations of the law, disruptions to public order, endangerment of citizens, or threats to national security.
The police remind organizers that they are responsible for the behavior during the planned events and urge them to act responsibly.
Additionally, law enforcement officers are encouraging citizens to carefully consider their decisions and avoid involvement in illegal activities, as such actions could lead to criminal charges.
19:05 28.09.2025
Maia Sandu urges young people to vote
The President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, has issued an appeal to young people, encouraging them to participate in the upcoming elections. In a new video message, she emphasized that the freedom and quality of life that today's youth enjoy can be preserved through a simple act: voting.
“Are you young? I have a message for you that lasts less than a minute,” said Maia Sandu, recalling her experience at the Independence Day concert, where she witnessed young people proudly displaying the national tricolor.
She pointed out that current generations are no longer compelled to defend their freedom against tanks and do not know what it feels like to face persecution or imprisonment for expressing their beliefs.
“It must remain this way,” the head of state affirmed, adding that defending freedom does not require heroic acts.
"It only requires you to vote. Vote as you see fit. Be the hero of your generation! By voting, you are defending your life and your freedom!" urged President Maia Sandu.
Moldova election: Massive diaspora turnout reported
Long queues were reported at polling stations in European cities including Bucharest, Athens, Prague, Rome, Nuremberg, and Lisbon.
“Thousands of citizens of the Republic of Moldova are casting their votes abroad, demonstrating the power and unity of our diaspora,” a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The MFA added the atmosphere was one of "civic responsibility and solidarity."
Cyber-attacks detected and 'neutralised in real time', say authorities
More than 4,000 websites have been temporarily taken offline following the state IT service's (STISC) blocking of the host.md platform due to a massive cyber-attack.
The country’s electoral infrastructure was hit by multiple attempted cyber-attacks on Saturday and Sunday, the government said in a press release. The attempts mainly targeted the Central Election Commission's (CEC) website, CEC.md, and several polling stations outside the country.
However, all attacks were detected and neutralised in real time, authorities added, without impacting the electoral process.
The government claims the attacks were simultaneously orchestrated to overload the state IT service's network, which serves the CEC and other voting infrastructure.
Voter turnout has exceeded 500,000, says Central Electoral Commission
Moldova: Opposition leader Renato Usatîi votes for 'stability' in key election
Renato Usatîi, the leader of the pro-Russian Our Party (Partidul Nostru), cast his vote in Moldova's 2025 snap parliamentary election. He told reporters his choice was for "stability and a strong Moldova."
"Today, together with my team, I voted for a strong Moldova, for a country where European and global standards become a reality," Mr Usatîi said. "I voted so that every citizen in the Republic of Moldova feels cared for and heard."
He added that he hopes the election marks "a break from the past and the beginning of a new chapter."
"I voted so that all the sad elements in the history of the Republic of Moldova as an independent state remain in history, allowing us to take a new step towards prosperity and development, where the state looks after every parent, every child," he concluded.
Moldova vote: PAS leader Igor Grosu says future is at stake
Moldova President Maia Sandu: 'Our home is in danger'
Moldovan President Maia Sandu said she voted for a parliament that would respect the country and ensure its pro-European course.
She later declared: "Our home is in danger, and we need everyone's help."
Ms Sandu also stressed that the country's fate must be decided by independent votes, not ballots that are bought.
"Let's show that Moldova is not for sale—not for 400 Moldovan lei (MDL) or even €400," she added.
Ion Ceban votes against fear and division
Ion Ceban, leader of the Alternativa Bloc, cast his ballot around 8:30 AM, accompanied by his wife. After casting his ballot, Ceban told reporters he had voted "against fear, division, and splitting people based on various criteria."
He added that his vote was also "for peace, calm, and security for the future." Ion Ceban stated that he chose "responsible people for the country's leadership," who will focus on pensions, salaries, utility costs and job creation, and to curb the emigration of citizens.
Ceban concluded by saying that "today is about the people of Moldova" and urged voters, wherever they are, to head to the polls and vote freely. "We will defend that vote," he declared.
The 101-seat parliament is elected for a four-year term under a proportional representation system across a single national constituency. The electoral threshold is set at 5% for parties, 7% for blocs (or alliances), and 2% for independents.
Voters and polling stations
The State Register includes 3.3 million voters, of whom about 40,000 are first-time voters. The election is deemed valid if at least one-third of the electorate participates.
Polling stations will be open from 07:00 to 21:00 at 2,274 locations: 1,961 are within the country, 12 are designated for voters in the breakaway region of Transnistria (on the left bank of the Nistru River), and 301 are located abroad for the diaspora. Moldovans in 10 countries – including the US, Canada, and Japan – can vote by post.
Citizens can vote using an identity card, a passport, or a temporary identity card, even if it has expired. For the diaspora, voting is based on the same documents at any polling station.
Electoral contestants
23 contestants are listed on the ballot paper. The pro-Western Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) will be listed first, followed by "Democracy at Home" and the Coalition for Unity and Welfare (CUB). The electoral blocs "Patriotic" and "Alternativa," which polls indicate have a realistic chance of entering parliament, are in positions 9 and 10, with the list concluding with "Our Party."
Of the 23 contestants, the National Unity Bloc has withdrawn, announcing its support for the Action and Solidarity Party, and the "Greater Moldova" Party has been barred from the campaign by the Central Electoral Commission (CEC).
Initial results are expected to be announced overnight into 29 September, with the final outcome to be released after the centralisation of the tally sheets and the settlement of challenges.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
