Moldovan authorities to collaborate with European experts to prevent manipulation of electoral process

The Moldovan authorities will cooperate with European experts, in order to prevent the manipulation of the electoral process. President Maia Sandu has made statements to this effect at a joint news conference with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

The Moldovan president said that experts from Moldova would work closely with European experts to prevent the manipulation of the electoral process, considering experiences from previous elections, when attempts were identified to undermine Moldova's European trajectory, including through the use of dirty money, disinformation networks, cyberattacks and attempts to buy votes.

“From past elections’ experiences, we know that Russia will use all tools to distort the will of Moldovan citizens. Therefore, we will work to protect the fundamental right of every person to vote freely, without fear and without lies. The autumn vote is crucial for the future of the entire generation and for Moldova's survival as a free and democratic state,” Sandu said.

The European diplomacy head, Kaja Kallas, emphasized that the EU would designate a rapid response team to support Moldova in combating hybrid threats, protecting electoral infrastructure and preventing online disinformation. “The European Union will back Moldova in strengthening resilience against hybrid threats and preparing for new crises. Moldova's security is also our security,” Kallas noted.

Also, the European official highlighted the significant progress of Moldova on its path to joining the European Union, including anti-corruption measures and  reforms in justice and stressed the importance of maintaining this pace of reforms.

“The road will not be easy, but it is the right one, and on this road, Moldova is not alone. The EU will be with Moldova at every step of its way towards becoming a member,” Kaja Kallas added.