Moldova’s parliamentary email servers recently fell victim to a cyberattack just days before the country’s presidential election and a crucial referendum on joining the European Union. This incident raised concerns about the integrity of the election process and the potential impact of outside interference on Moldova’s political landscape.

The parliament’s spokesperson confirmed that some of the agency’s information was compromised by an unidentified threat actor last Thursday, although specific details were not provided. Local cybersecurity experts are currently investigating the extent of the breach and its implications. Moreover, the parliament is closely monitoring online platforms for any dissemination of false information that may arise from the stolen data being manipulated.

While cyber incidents are not unusual for the parliament, their frequency has notably increased in the lead-up to the election. Although the latest attack was not directly attributed to any specific threat actor, Russia is regarded as the primary suspect. The nation has been accused of engaging in a hybrid war against Moldova, particularly due to its control over the breakaway region of Transnistria.

Following the cyberattack, Moldovans headed to the polls on Sunday, with preliminary results indicating that President Maia Sandu secured 42% of the vote, while her main rival, former prosecutor-general Alexandr Stoianoglo, garnered 26%. As neither candidate received a majority, they are set to face each other in a runoff election in November.

In tandem with the election, a referendum initiated by President Sandu saw a narrow majority of Moldovans, at 50.39%, voting in favor of future EU accession. This outcome fell below expectations, with Sandu attributing it to significant external interference. She criticized what she termed as “unprecedented” efforts by criminal groups, aided by foreign entities opposed to Moldova’s interests, to influence the referendum results by allegedly purchasing votes.

The national intelligence agency had previously warned of Russia’s intentions to orchestrate hybrid attacks aimed at destabilizing Moldova’s elections and discrediting pro-European candidates. Such tactics allegedly involve utilizing social media platforms like Telegram and TikTok to promote pro-Moscow figures, incite unrest, and sow ethnic discord.

International response to these allegations was swift, with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemning Russia’s interference in European elections through various means, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns on social media. Despite denials from the Kremlin, tensions between Moldova and Russia have been on the rise, fueled in part by Moldova’s alignment with the EU and its imposition of sanctions against Russia in solidarity with Ukraine.

As Moldova grapples with these challenges, the results of the recent election and referendum will set the stage for upcoming parliamentary elections and potentially shape the country’s trajectory towards deeper integration with the European Union by 2030. The events unfolding in Moldova underscore the complex interplay between domestic politics, external influence, and the aspirations of the Moldovan people as they navigate their path forward in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

Lidhja e burimit