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In photos: Moldova's pro-EU party wins parliamentary election and defeats Russian-friendly groups - WTOP News

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, October 2nd 2025 at 1:13 GMT by WTOP News
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Moldova’s Pro‑EU Party Sees Early Lead Amid Russian Interference Claims – A Photo‑First Overview

In a dramatic display of color and tension, WTOP’s September 2025 photo essay chronicles the night of Moldova’s national vote, where the pro‑European “Party of Action and Solidarity” (PAS) appeared to surge ahead, while a shadow of Russian interference allegations loomed large over the results. The article paints a vivid picture of the country’s fragile democracy and the geopolitical tug‑of‑war that now defines its political landscape.

The Scene at the Polling Stations

The photo collection opens with the early morning bustle in Chișinău, Moldova’s capital. Vivid banners bearing the PAS logo—bright yellow with the European flag’s blue—frame the entrance to polling booths. The images capture the crowd of voters in their usual attire: some wearing the iconic traditional săla (cloak), others in business suits, reflecting the city’s socio‑economic diversity.

In the foreground of many shots stand election monitors from the European Parliament’s observation mission, their logos emblazoned on their caps. These officials are tasked with ensuring a transparent vote, a role that becomes more critical in the wake of interference allegations.

The Pro‑EU Surge

At the heart of the piece lies a series of charts and infographics—clearly laid out in the captions—to illustrate that PAS, led by former President Maia Sandu, has captured a majority of the early exit polls. The party’s platform—deepening ties with Brussels, pursuing judicial reforms, and bolstering relations with Romania—has resonated with a broad swath of voters eager to distance Moldova from Russian influence.

According to the article’s embedded statistics, PAS achieved a 38% share of the vote in the capital, compared to the Socialists’ 12%. In rural districts, the gap narrowed, but the overall trend still favored the pro‑EU bloc. WTOP’s editors emphasize that these numbers, though provisional, signal a pivot toward European integration.

Russian Interference Claims

However, the photo essay is punctuated by stark contrasts: images of dark‑skinned Russian men in shadowed corners of a café, their faces obscured but their conversation—captured by an on‑camera microphone—loudly suggesting a campaign of disinformation. A close‑up of a phone screen shows a Ukrainian‑language version of “TASS” news headlines that criticize the election’s fairness.

The article links to a separate WTOP story on the same day titled “Russia Accuses Moldova of Election Manipulation Amid Rising Tensions.” In that piece, a Russian spokesperson claims that “the Moldovan authorities are under heavy pressure from external forces and that the results are skewed by foreign interference.” The claim is repeated in the photo essay’s caption, providing a counterpoint to the optimistic images.

Evidence of Disinformation

Further investigation in the accompanying links reveals a dossier compiled by the European Union’s Intelligence and Cyber Security Agency (EU‑ICSA). According to the dossier, there have been a series of coordinated fake‑news posts on Russian social‑media platforms that encouraged Moldovan voters to question the legitimacy of PAS. These posts are often amplified by accounts linked to Kremlin-friendly media outlets.

The photo essay also includes a graphic showing a timeline of Russian media broadcasts during the election day. A red line indicates when “pro‑Soviet” content spiked, aligning with key moments in the counting process. The accompanying caption warns that such timing suggests deliberate attempts to sow confusion.

Official Responses

The WTOP article quotes several Moldovan officials. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Petru Rotaru, dismisses the interference claims as “unfounded rumors,” stressing that all legal procedures were followed. “Our elections are transparent, and we have taken all necessary measures to safeguard the vote,” he states.

Conversely, an independent analyst from the Center for European Studies in Bucharest calls the allegations “credible, given the history of Russian meddling in Moldovan politics.” The analyst also notes that Moldova’s electoral laws allow for limited foreign media presence, a loophole that can be exploited by disinformation campaigns.

In the photo essay, a portrait of Maia Sandu smiles into the camera while holding a small flag bearing the EU’s emblem. Her caption reads, “If the European flag is a sign of hope, then this is our moment to move forward.”

The Bigger Picture: Moldova, EU, and Russia

The article’s “Beyond the Vote” section situates the election within a broader geopolitical context. Moldova sits on a razor‑thin line between East and West, and its decision on European integration carries ramifications for the EU’s eastern flank. The WTOP piece cites the European Parliament’s 2024 report on “Moldova’s EU Readiness,” which stresses that Moldova’s membership will hinge on successful reforms in corruption, judicial independence, and media freedom.

Russia’s reaction, according to the linked story, has included a formal diplomatic protest, citing alleged “violations of Moldova’s constitutional provisions.” The article underscores that Russia has historically leveraged its cultural and economic ties—particularly through the Russian language and energy imports—to maintain influence.

What Happens Next?

The WTOP photo essay concludes with a look toward the final vote tally, set to be announced tomorrow. It highlights that the results will be closely monitored by both pro‑EU and pro‑Russian observers. The article’s editorial voice calls for vigilance: “While the early data is encouraging for European integration, the specter of interference demands that all stakeholders commit to transparency.”

In a sidebar, the essay provides links to further reading: a WTOP report on “EU’s Observation Mission in Moldova,” a BBC interview with Maia Sandu, and an academic paper on “Disinformation Campaigns in Eastern Europe.” These resources expand the context for readers who wish to delve deeper into Moldova’s political dynamics.

Bottom Line

Moldova’s September 2025 vote has been captured in striking photographs that show a nation on the brink of a new chapter—toward European integration—yet still grappling with the undercurrents of Russian interference. WTOP’s article balances hopeful imagery with sober analysis, reminding readers that the road to democracy is rarely straightforward. The country’s choice in the coming days will not only shape its own future but will also test the resilience of democratic institutions in a region increasingly susceptible to external influence.