Online disinformation is escalating in Moldova as the nation prepares for crucial parliamentary elections set for September 28. The pro-European government, led by President Maia Sandu and her Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), faces intense scrutiny and manipulation, with the Kremlin’s influence casting a long shadow over the electoral landscape. Moldova, positioned between Romania to the west and Ukraine to the east, is at a crossroads—navigating its relations with the European Union (EU) while confronting Russian attempts to undermine its democratic processes. Disinformation campaigns, historically prevalent during elections, are once again in play, targeting the integrity of the voting process and attempting to sway public opinion against pro-European sentiments.
Traditionally, elections in Moldova have been marred by disinformation tactics, including vote-buying and bribery schemes. These strategies aim to compromise the democratic process and secure power for pro-Russian entities. The threat is amplified by figures like Ilan Shor, a fugitive oligarch implicated in orchestrating Russia’s destabilization efforts in the region. Moldova’s Supreme Court recently banned Shor’s political bloc from participating in the upcoming elections, highlighting ongoing tensions as the ruling party strives to maintain its grip on power amidst external pressures. This environment has drawn the attention of European leaders, including those from France, Germany, and Poland, who visited in late August to express solidarity with Moldova and caution against Russian disinformation.
The proliferation of disinformation in the lead-up to the elections is increasingly sophisticated, utilizing modern technology such as AI-generated deepfakes and cloned websites. Analysis from EuroVerify and independent journalism sources revealed troubling TikTok videos that falsely portray the current government as subservient to NATO and the EU. These videos, some featuring manipulated visuals of President Sandu, perpetuate claims that the only way to “liberate” Moldova is by rejecting the ruling PAS party. Notably, a spurious narrative emerged in late July, asserting that Sandu had engaged in scandalous activities aimed at undermining her reputation, capitalizing on existing sociocultural prejudices.
Further complicating the electoral dynamics, disinformation narratives are framing the September elections as a stark choice between military neutrality and active conflict with Russia. Pro-Russian groups spread fear-based messaging, suggesting that a victory for pro-EU factions would incur dire consequences similar to those faced by Ukraine. Claims circulated on platforms like TikTok allege that the PAS party intends to invite foreign NATO troops to suppress dissent and protests during the elections, a narrative firmly denied by Moldova’s Ministry of Defence. Officials urged the public to rely on credible sources and avoid the dissemination of fear-inducing content.
In addition to claims of military intervention, widespread allegations of electoral fraud are being disseminated online. Some analysts have traced these misleading narratives back to a pro-Russian disinformation campaign called Storm-1516, which has a history of targeting Ukrainian allies. Posts on social media feature AI-generated clips claiming electoral workers are under orders to manipulate the vote in favor of Sandu’s party, with pre-marked ballots purportedly shown as evidence of malpractice. These narratives, which lack substantiation, sow distrust in the electoral process and aim to delegitimize any outcomes that are unfavorable to pro-Russian interests.
As the election date approaches, the stakes in Moldova are high, with the battle over information playing a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and the potential for social unrest. The Moldovan government, alongside international allies, remains vigilant against Russia’s attempts to sow discontent and manipulate public sentiment through disinformation. With electoral integrity under siege, officials are calling for transparency and citizen awareness to combat the disinformation spread by hostile entities. Maintaining a focus on trust in state institutions and credible news sources is critical as Moldova navigates this tumultuous political landscape ahead of the elections.
