Moscow claims it wants to monitor Moldova’s upcoming parliamentary elections. Russian authorities summoned Moldovan Ambassador Lilian Darii after Chisinau refused to accredit Kremlin observers for the September 28 vote.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Moldovan authorities denied accreditation to Russian members of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The ministry also stated that members of the Russian Civic Chamber—a consultative body overseeing state institutions—were not permitted to observe the elections.
“The head of the Moldovan diplomatic mission received a protest note regarding the authorities’ unjustified refusal to accredit Russian representatives as short-term observers in the OSCE/ODIHR mission, as well as members of the Civic Chamber as international observers for the September 28 parliamentary elections,” the Russian ministry said.
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Moscow argues that Chisinau’s decision violates international agreements on democratic election standards and allegedly undermines confidence in the vote’s legitimacy.
Observers note that the Kremlin appears to be laying the groundwork for pro-Russian parties to challenge the election results. Pro-Moscow voices have recently raised concerns about possible vote manipulation. The Russian embassy in London also expressed apprehension about diaspora vote counting after a BBC investigation exposed Moscow’s interference in Moldova’s electoral process.