Venice Commission mission evaluates legal safeguards against voter fraud in Moldova
A high-level fact-finding mission from the Venice Commission is visiting the Republic Moldova on February 4–5. The rapporteurs are conducting a series of strategic consultations to finalize an official opinion on the nation’s stringent anti-corruption legislation.
The delegation is scheduled to meet with Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, along with representatives from both the governing majority and opposition factions. These talks focus on the legal mechanisms used to combat foreign interference and illegal campaign financing.
Broad institutional audit
The mission’s agenda includes high-level meetings with the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Security and Intelligence Service (SIS). Key discussions are also planned with the National Anticorruption Center (CNA) and the Central Electoral Commission (CEC).
Furthermore, the rapporteurs will consult with the Constitutional Court, the Superior Council of Magistracy, and judges from the Chisinau, North, and South Courts of Appeal. This comprehensive outreach ensures a multi-dimensional assessment of the judicial application of the law.
The impact of Law 100/2025
Adopted in April 2025, Law 100/2025 significantly increased penalties for electoral fraud ahead of the September 2025 parliamentary elections. The reforms targeted large-scale schemes previously documented during the 2024 electoral cycle.
Under the new statutes, voter bribery carries prison sentences of two to six years and fines of up to €2,930 (approx. 57,500 MDL). Aggravated offenses involving organized crime or foreign state funding face up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching €5,990 (approx. 117,500 MDL).
Judicial efficiency and enforcement
To prevent legal delays, the Criminal Procedure Code now mandates prioritized hearings for election-related crimes. The law sets strict limits: a maximum of six months for investigations and four months for initial court rulings.
Data from the General Police Inspectorate (IGP) highlights the scale of enforcement during the 2025 elections. Authorities issued over 30,000 citations for passive corruption, with total fines exceeding €4.78 million (approx. 93.8 million MDL).
Translation by Iurie Tataru
