Russia meddling in Moldova’s elections with fake observers
Photo: Russia interferes in Moldova's elections (Getty Images)
In Moldova, dozens of dubious experts are eager to obtain the status of international observers so that they can later declare the elections undemocratic, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
On September 28, parliamentary elections will be held in Moldova, for which people with questionable backgrounds are trying to obtain accreditation as international observers.
Many of these individuals have already been involved in pseudo-referendums in Crimea, the occupied territories of Donbas, and Abkhazia. Their role is to create the appearance of legitimacy for processes that benefit the Kremlin.
Who are these so-called observers?
Among the potential participants is Serbian activist Dragana Trifkovic, who has long collaborated with pro-Russian structures.
Another high-profile name is Italian Vito Grittani, who has Abkhaz citizenship and has repeatedly positioned himself as an international expert in fake elections.
Both have already been added to the database of pseudo-observers maintained by the European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE).
The largest number of applications — about 30 — came from the African organization Institut Africa Solidarité. Although this organization had not previously shown any interest in Moldova, its representatives were in close contact with Russia — they participated in the BRICS summit in Kazan and even in the Russian elections.
Among these observers are many people without any political or public experience.
How Chisinau reacting
Moldova's Central Election Commission assures that all applications are being checked by the Information and Security Service. At the same time, Chisinau assumes that in case of refusal, these same people, following Moscow's instructions, will begin to spread messages about the undemocratic nature of the elections.
The elections in Moldova are being monitored by authoritative international missions. Their presence creates an additional protective barrier, reduces the risk of manipulation, and complicates Russia's attempts to discredit the results of the vote.
Russian interference in Moldovan elections
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has accused Russia of interfering in the country's parliamentary elections. According to her, Moscow is using Russian Orthodox priests to spread propaganda and deploying a network of bots called Matryoshka to create fake content under the guise of legitimate foreign media.
Earlier, the Center for Countering Disinformation reported that Russia is stepping up its information campaign in Moldova ahead of the parliamentary elections.
The center also reported that on the eve of the parliamentary elections in Moldova, the Kremlin had intensified its propaganda aimed at discrediting the pro-European government, undermining confidence in the electoral process, and dividing the diaspora.
Bloomberg, in turn, reported that Russia has developed a plan to interfere in the parliamentary elections in Moldova and intends to disrupt the country's course towards integration with the EU. The ultimate goal is said to be the removal of Sandu and the coming to power of pro-Russian forces.
