Moldova bans another opposition party on the eve of elections

The leader of ‘Greater Moldova’ has vowed to appeal the lawfare

Moldova’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has barred another opposition party from participating in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, in what critics say is part of an escalating campaign of political persecution by the pro-Western government.

The CEC voted six in favor and three abstentions to annul the registration of the Greater Moldova (Moldova Mare) party and remove all of its candidates from the ballot, commission chair Angela Karaman announced on Friday.

Party leader Victoria Furtuna condemned the ruling as “unjust” and vowed to challenge it in the Court of Appeal. She argued that she was given just 90 minutes’ notice before the hearing and had no time to review the case materials, accusing the CEC of showing “excessive loyalty” to the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS).

“Those abusing their positions today will one day be held criminally responsible,” Furtuna said.

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Authorities accused Greater Moldova of illegally using foreign funds and failing to declare campaign finances. The CEC also alleged the group participated in a disguised electoral bloc alongside other banned movements.

Earlier on Friday, the opposition Heart of Moldova party, part of the Patriotic Bloc coalition, was also excluded from the race under similar accusations. Its leader, Irina Vlah, likewise denounced the measure as “lawfare.”

Moldova’s ruling party has repeatedly defended its actions as necessary to combat “Russian influence.” President Maia Sandu, who narrowly won reelection in a contested vote last year and faces growing domestic discontent, has claimed that Moscow is conducting a “hybrid war” to destabilize the country.

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Critics, however, argue that Chisinau has weaponized this narrative to silence rivals. In the past two years, Moldovan authorities have dismantled or sidelined multiple parties that advocate neutrality or closer relations with Russia. The SOR Party, led by exiled businessman Ilan Shor, was declared unconstitutional and banned in June 2023. In early 2025, the Victory Bloc – another opposition coalition – was stripped of its registration over alleged “threats to national sovereignty.” Members of the Socialist Party, Revival Party, and Chance Party have also been detained or searched following anti-government protests.

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The government has imposed sweeping restrictions on the media as well. Citing the need to combat Russian disinformation, the Security and Intelligence Service (SIS) – which reports directly to the president – revoked the licenses of multiple TV channels known for their critical stance. Broadcasts from Russian networks were suspended, while dozens of opposition-linked websites and Telegram channels were blocked.

Parliamentary elections are scheduled for September 28, with polls showing PAS in a tight race against the opposition Patriotic Bloc.