As Moldova approaches critical parliamentary elections on September 28, online disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining the pro-European government are intensifying. President Maia Sandu and her Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) are working to maintain power while steering the nation towards European Union (EU) membership. Historically, Moldova has faced various disruptive tactics during elections, including disinformation, bribery, and vote-buying, particularly as it finds itself caught between the influences of the EU and Russia. Up against the backdrop of Russia’s hybrid warfare strategies, pro-European factions worry that these tactics could skew voter sentiment, particularly in light of the recent involvement of Ilan Shor, a fugitive oligarch with ties to the Kremlin, whose political bloc faced a Supreme Court ban from participating in the elections.
Concerns surrounding Moldova’s electoral integrity intensified with a visit from French, German, and Polish leaders, who publicly supported Moldova’s EU aspirations while denouncing Russian disinformation efforts. President Emmanuel Macron’s statements emphasized the contrasting narratives of the EU and Russia, warning against the Kremlin’s propaganda that suggests European entities are prolonging conflict and undermining sovereignty. As the elections draw closer, the online landscape is rife with disinformation, including the use of AI-generated deepfakes and fabricated stories that paint a dire picture of Moldova’s political landscape.
Disinformation in the lead-up to the elections manifests in multiple forms, such as manipulated videos on TikTok, claiming that Moldova is under the control of NATO and EU powers. Some clips misuse AI deepfakes of Maia Sandu and feature misleading visuals depicting protests against the ruling government. These messages are part of a larger Russian disinformation strategy, identified as Matryoska, which is adept at creating false narratives to influence public opinion. The stakes are high, with smear campaigns targeting Sandu that exploit societal biases and prejudices, exemplified by a recent viral hoax suggesting her unconventional methods of conception.
Another significant theme in the disinformation narrative frames the elections as a referendum on military neutrality versus conflict with Russia. Certain claims falsely suggest that a victory for pro-EU candidates would result in Moldova’s involvement in a prolonged war akin to Ukraine’s current situation. Kremlin-affiliated Telegram groups are disseminating these ideas, which are then amplified on platforms like TikTok, depicting the situation as dire and portraying Sandu’s administration as a belligerent force dragging the country toward conflict. Spurious allegations also suggest that NATO troops are poised to intervene during the elections, ostensibly to support the government against potential unrest—claims that have been outright denied by the Moldovan Ministry of Defense.
Doubts about the electoral process itself have also been a focal point of disinformation, with narratives suggesting that the upcoming vote will be rigged to favor Sandu’s PAS party. Such assertions have been linked to the pro-Russian disinformation entity known as Storm-1516, which has a track record of viral hoaxes about various political figures. Posts circulating online include AI-generated videos of supposed electoral workers claiming they are coerced into manipulating the election, showcasing pre-printed ballots marked for PAS. Furthermore, accusations claiming that the party is exploiting diaspora votes have gained traction, albeit without substantive evidence, contributing to an environment of distrust ahead of the polls.
In light of these troubling trends, the Moldovan Ministry of Defense and various fact-checking organizations are urging citizens to rely on credible information sources. While disinformation campaigns relentlessly attempt to sow discord and divide the populace, the government is calling on citizens to discern between genuine news and misleading narratives. The pre-election period has become a battleground for competing realities, highlighting the critical need for transparency and accurate reporting to safeguard the democratic process. With the shadow of external influences looming large, Moldova stands at a crossroads, navigating a complicated landscape of geopolitical pressures, internal divisions, and the imperative to maintain its course toward EU integration.
