Moldovan Election Commission Rejects Pro-Russian Bloc's Registration

Moldova's Central Election Committee rejected the registration of a pro-Russian political bloc named Victory, led by fugitive business magnate Ilan Shor, for technical reasons. As the presidential election and EU membership referendum approach, President Maia Sandu accuses Russia of subversion. Shor, convicted of mass fraud, challenges the decision.

In a significant development ahead of Moldova's presidential election, the Central Election Committee has dismissed the registration application of the pro-Russian political bloc, Victory. The bloc is led by Ilan Shor, a fugitive business magnate convicted of mass fraud.

The Committee cited technical grounds for its decision, noting that the bloc's name, Victorie (Victory), was already in use by one of its forming parties. This move comes as Moldova prepares for a critical referendum on European Union membership, coinciding with President Maia Sandu's re-election bid. Sandu has accused Russia of attempting to destabilize her government and alleges that Shor is illegitimately funding his political allies.

Shor, who was sentenced in absentia to 15 years for his role in the 2014 disappearance of $1 billion from Moldova's banking system, has vowed to appeal the decision, calling it 'comically absurd.' The election landscape remains tense and polarized as the Victory bloc continues to oppose Moldova's EU membership aspirations.

(With inputs from agencies.)