On 28 September 2025, Moldova holds its parliamentary elections, a key moment for the country’s democratic development and its ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union. To support transparency and credibility in this process, the European Parliament (EP) sends an Election Observation Delegation to Moldova. Concerns have been raised about possible attempts at disinformation and other forms of interference from Russia, which could undermine public trust in the electoral process.
An Election Observation Delegation is composed of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who are tasked with monitoring the conduct of the elections. Working alongside other international observers (in this case OSCE and the Council of Europe), they assess whether the elections are carried out in a free, fair, and transparent manner in line with international standards and Moldova’s own legal framework. Their activities include meeting with electoral authorities, political parties, candidates, civil society, and media representatives, as well as observing voting, counting, and tabulation on election day. After the election, the delegation contributes to a preliminary statement and report, offering recommendations to help improve future electoral processes. This mission reflects the European Parliament’s commitment to supporting democracy, rule of law, and respect for fundamental rights in its partner countries.

EU - Moldova (T)

GAHLER, Michael (EPP, DE)

EP delegation

SØVNDAL, Villy (Greens/EFA, DK)

WISELER-LIMA, Isabel (EPP, LU)

SANDU, Maia (MD)

MENDES, Ana Catarina (S&D, PT)

NEUHOFF, Hans (ESN, DE)

FIRMENICH, Ruth  (NI, DE)

BARNA,	Dan (Renew, RO)

Election Observation Delegation -  Parliamentary Elections in Moldova (28/09/2025)

Michael Gahler (EPP, DE), Head of the European Parliament’s delegation, makes a statement following the parliamentary elections held in Moldova on 28 September 2025. The elections mark a key step in the country’s democratic development and its efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union. The European Parliament deployed an Election Observation Delegation to support transparency and credibility. Gahler notes that election day was conducted professionally, with voters able to cast their ballots freely. He highlights challenges in the run-up, including cyberattacks, attempts at vote buying, and disinformation campaigns from Russia, but stresses that Moldovan authorities and citizens withstood these pressures. He underlines that campaigning was free, despite widespread disinformation, and concludes that Moldovans passed an important test for democracy and once again confirmed their European path.

EP Election Observation delegation - Parliamentary elections in Moldova: statement by Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE), Head of the EP delegation

Election Observation Delegation - Parliamentary Elections in Moldova

After the parliamentary elections on September 28 in Moldova, won by PAS, the pro-EU party, a press conference is given by Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE), Head of the EP delegation, Paula Cardoso, Special Coordinator and leader of the OSCE short-term observers, Chris Said, Head of the PACE delegation, Linnéa Wickman, Head of the OSCE PA delegation, Michael Gahler, Head of the EP delegation and Jillian Stirk, Head of the ODIHR election observation mission. On 28 September 2025, Moldova holds its parliamentary elections, a key moment for the country’s democratic development and its ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union. To support transparency and credibility in this process, the European Parliament sends an Election Observation Delegation to Moldova. Concerns have been raised about possible attempts at disinformation and other forms of Russia's interference and hybrid threats.

Press conference by the Heads of the IEOM including Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE), Head of the EP delegation

This video shows the work of a European Parliament Election Observation Delegation during the parliamentary elections in Moldova. MEPs Dan BARNA (Renew, RO), Hans NEUHOFF (ESN, DE) and Ruth FIRMENICH (NI, DE) are present in Comrat to observe the voting process in two small villages, Samurza and Corten, in the region of Taraclia. They verify on how ballots are secured and the voting process. The delegation’s role is to evaluate whether electoral practices meet accepted democratic and transparency standards.

EP Election Observation delegation - Parliamentary elections in Moldova: monitoring of the vote count in Samurza and Corten

The video shows the work of a European Parliament Election Observation Delegation during the parliamentary elections in Moldova. MEPs Michael Gahler and Isabel Wiseler-Lima visit a polling station in Chișinău to oversee the preparations and the official opening of voting. Their observation includes the inspection of the polling station, verification of the ballot box setup and seals, and assessment of the general readiness of the station. The video show also the start of voting operations, highlighting the delegation’s role in ensuring transparency and compliance with international electoral standards.

EP Election Observation delegation - Parliamentary elections in Moldova: observation of the preparation and the opening of the polling station in Chisinau

The video shows the activities of a European Parliament Election Observation Delegation during the parliamentary elections in Moldova. MEPs Ana Caterina Mendes and Villy Søvndal are seen monitoring the conduct of voting in Bulboaca and Varnita. Their observation focuses on the procedures inside the polling station, including the handling of ballots and interactions with voters, to assess whether the process is being carried out transparently and in line with international standards.

EP Election Observation delegation - Parliamentary elections in Moldova: monitoring of the voting in Bulboaca and Varnita

Election Observation Delegation - Parliamentary Elections in Moldova.

In the framework of the Election Observation mission in Moldova, the EP delegation meets with the EU Ambassadors. Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE), Head of Delegation makes a statement. On 28 September 2025, Moldova holds its parliamentary elections, a key moment for the country’s democratic development and its ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union. Concerns have been raised about possible attempts at disinformation and other forms of interference from Russia, which could undermine public trust in the electoral process. Working alongside other international observers (in this case OSCE and the Council of Europe), they assess whether the elections are carried out in a free, fair, and transparent manner in line with international standards and Moldova’s own legal framework. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EP Election Observation delegation - Parliamentary elections in Moldova: extracts from the meeting with the EU Ambassadors and statement by Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE), Head of Delegation

Election Observation Delegation -Parliamentary Elections in Moldova

This infoclip shows city views of Chisinau ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Moldova. It includes exterior views of the Casa Guvernului, the official seat of the Government of Moldova, the Parlamentul Republicii Moldova, a polling station, and the City Council. Additional footage focuses on the electoral campaign in the capital, with political party posters displayed across the city, gazebos set up by parties to present their programmes, and campaigners actively canvassing by handing out flyers to citizens. The sequence concludes with general cutaway shots from Chisinau.

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