Pro-Russian party banned from participating in parliamentary elections in Moldova

(Patria) - Officials from Moldova's electoral body yesterday banned a pro-Russian party from participating in Sunday's parliamentary elections, a move that could heighten tensions ahead of the important vote.

The decision by the Central Election Commission to exclude the Heart of Moldova party, part of the pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc, followed a court ruling that only parties operating for more than a year can compete in the elections.

The Heart of Moldova party stated that it is facing unfounded attacks from the pro-European government.

"This is not justice, but the final act of a dirty show orchestrated in advance by the authorities with one goal: to silence us," the statement said.

Following the election commission's decision, their 36 candidates were removed from the ballots.

Polls show that the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) could lose its majority at a time when the Patriotic Bloc and other political opponents are seeking to win over voters dissatisfied with high prices and the slow pace of reforms.

If PAS were forced into a coalition, it could significantly hinder the ruling party's efforts to bring Moldova into the EU by 2030, analysts assessed.