Moldova bars two pro-Russian parties from high-stakes parliamentary election

Moldova bars two pro-Russian parties from high-stakes parliamentary election World Sep 26, 2025 7:12 PM EDT

CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — Moldova’s electoral commission on Friday barred two pro-Russian parties from participating in this weekend’s tense parliamentary election, which is beleaguered by widespread claims of Russian interference.

The outcome of Sunday’s high-stakes vote could determine whether Moldova, a Soviet republic until 1991 and a candidate for European Union membership since 2022, can continue on a path toward the EU or will be brought back under Russia’s orbit.

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The parties barred Friday, the Heart of Moldova and Moldova Mare, face allegations of illegal financing an