Moldova Bans Another Opposition Party from Participating in Elections

The Electoral Commission of Moldova has banned another opposition party, Moldova Mare, from participating in tomorrow's parliamentary elections due to suspicions of illegal financing. The commission found that the party used unregistered financial resources and possibly distributed money to voters to influence the election outcomes.

Moldovan authorities also suspect that the party has acted as a successor to the previously banned "Shor" party, which was established by pro-Russian businessman Ilan Shor residing in Moscow.

The leader of Moldova Mare, Victoria Furduan, a former prosecutor, has called the Central Electoral Commission's decision biased and expressed her intention to appeal the ruling, according to Moldpress. Furduan is included in the EU sanctions list for receiving support from Ilan Shor's party.

Just a day prior, the Electoral Commission annulled the registration of the "Heart of Moldova" party based on a decision from the Chisinau city court. Moldovan authorities assert that both parties have close ties to Moscow.

Tomorrow, ahead of the parliamentary elections on September 28, Moldovan President Maia Sandu called on voters to support pro-European forces, stating that Russia is heavily investing in bringing its protégés to power. Russia, for its part, claims it does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.