Ungheni court cancels results of elections in central Moldova village, mandate of mayor-elect

The Ungheni Court has cancelled the decision of the Electoral Council of Bolduresti Electoral District regarding the confirmation of the second round of the new local elections from June 1, 2025, thus invalidating the mandate of the mayor of Bolduresti commune, won by Nicanor Ciochina, a candidate under criminal investigation in a case of manslaughter and hit-and-run.

The decision was issued following a request submitted by independent candidate Sergiu Bulicanu, who contested the lawfulness of the electoral process and its outcome. The court partially admitted the request and ordered the annulment of the decisions of the Electoral Council of Bolduresti District No. 23/5 of June 10, 2025, regarding both the examination of Bulicanu's complaint and the validation of the second round of the elections and the confirmation of the mayor’s mandate.

“To annul the decision of the Electoral Council of the Bolduresti Electoral District regarding the confirmation of the second round of the new local elections from June 1, 2025, and the validation of the mandate of the of Bolduresti commune’s mayor,” states the court decision, which is final and enforceable upon pronouncement, but can be appealed within three days at the Northern Court of Appeal.

Nicanor Ciochina was declared winner following a recount of votes conducted on June 7, with the difference from his opponent being only one vote. The result of the election was challenged by Bulicanu, who reported irregularities in the electoral process.

Ciochina, previously appointed interim mayor by the local council, is involved in a criminal case with major public impact. On February 20, 2024, he fatally hit a 14-year-old teenager on a village road and fled the scene. To cover up, he changed the vehicle's license plates and staged another accident. Although he initially did not admit guilt, Ciochina was placed under house arrest in September 2024, and in early 2025, he was placed under judicial control.