- CHISINAU, MOLDOVA — SEPT. 27, 2025: Moldova heads to the polls on Sunday, Sept. 28, in what President Maia Sandu has called the “most consequential” election since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union 34 years ago.

The vote will not only decide the balance of power in Parliament but also shape the country’s bid for EU membership, as pro-European forces led by Sandu take on opposition alliances leaning toward Moscow.

Analysts say the outcome could either consolidate Moldova’s move toward Europe or pull it back into Russia’s orbit.

Sandu’s pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), which swept to a majority in the 2021 elections, is now fighting to retain control of the 101-seat Parliament.

PAS has led Moldova closer to Brussels, securing EU candidate status alongside Ukraine in 2022 and opening accession talks in 2024. Last year, a referendum narrowly enshrined EU membership in the constitution.

Yet polls suggest PAS may struggle to maintain its majority. It faces stiff competition from opposition alliances including the Patriotic bloc, led by former President Igor Dodon, and the Alternative bloc, which counts Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban and former presidential candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo among its leaders.

Both groupings have tried to frame themselves as viable alternatives to PAS.

The Victory bloc, led by businessman Ilan Shor – convicted of fraud and money laundering, and living in Russia – was barred from running by the Central Election Commission, though Sandu’s opponents accuse her of manipulating the rules to weaken challengers.