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Moldova's chief of police exposes attempts to manipulate local elections and cites illegal financing, voter bribery, and fake signatures

27-10-2023 18:30
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27 October 2023, Chișinău - As Moldova gears up for its local elections on 5 November, extensive investigative operations are underway, targeting malicious activities to disrupt the electoral process.

Moldovan Chief of the General Police Inspectorate, Viorel Cernăuțeanu, reported today that on 26 October alone, law enforcement agencies executed 65 raids nationwide, focused on illegal campaign financing and voter bribery. Tactics also include the falsification of signatures for allegedly independent candidates. Investigations reveal many of these ‘independents’ receive financial support from political parties.

The scale of these investigations spanned three municipalities and 19 district centers, encompassing 22 territorial-administrative units. Dozens are under investigation, with documented illicit transactions reaching millions of Moldovan lei.

A significant proportion of these transactions can be traced back to sources outside Moldova. Cernăuțeanu expressed substantial suspicion of these funds being linked to the Russian Federation and managed locally by the Șansa Party. The newly-formed Sansa Party has absorbed members from the Shor party, which the Constitutional Court previously declared unconstitutional.

Evidence points to these funds being used to manipulate the electoral process, including attempts to camouflage party financing. Additionally, several candidates, previously believed to be independent, have been proven to be affiliated with the Șansă Party.

Cernăuțeanu has assured that all evidence is systematically processed following legal protocols and will be pursued by the law. 

His message underscored the police’s dedication to a transparent election for all Moldovans. He urged citizens to remain alert, cautioning against manipulation and involvement in schemes that could jeopardize Moldova's democratic foundations.



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May 2027

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