In a strong show of unity, the governments of Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America have come together to expose Russia's subversive activity and electoral interference targeting Moldova's upcoming presidential election in October 2024. The joint statement, released by Global Affairs Canada, highlights the three nations' commitment to confronting Russia's aggression and subversion against democratic societies, while also reaffirming their support for Ukraine in its ongoing defense against Russia's illegal and unjustified full-scale invasion.
The statement emphasizes the importance of free, fair, and independent elections as the cornerstone of any democratic society, and condemns Russia's persistent attempts to influence, subvert, and undermine democratic elections in order to secure results favorable to the Kremlin. With hundreds of millions of people across Europe and North America set to go to the polls in 2024, the threat of Russian interference is especially relevant.
The governments specifically address the Kremlin's actions in Moldova, echoing the concerns raised by President Maia Sandu and Moldova's security institutions about Russia's efforts to undermine Moldovan democratic institutions in the lead-up to the October presidential elections and a referendum on Moldova's path to EU membership. The statement commends Moldova's leaders for their capable management of these threats, their efforts to build resilience, and their commitment to maintaining peace and security while driving forward democratic reforms and reviving the country's economy.
The joint statement reveals that Russian actors are carrying out a plot to influence the outcomes of Moldova's fall 2024 presidential election, with the intention of inciting protests should a pro-Russia candidate fail to win. These actors seek to foment negative public perceptions of Western governments, Moldova's incumbent leadership, and Moldova's potential for EU integration, while degrading public confidence in Moldova's ability to secure itself and maintain the rule of law.
Russia is reportedly supporting candidates for Moldova's presidency and exacerbating societal tensions through the use of disinformation and propaganda online, on the air, and on the streets. These efforts include agitating criticism of the incumbent Moldovan president's government and political party, spreading lies about the president's character and intentions, and making claims about supposed electoral irregularities.
The governments express their full confidence in Moldova's ability to manage these threats linked to the Kremlin's interference and outline a range of measures they are taking to support those efforts as part of their partnership with Moldova and its people. This includes sharing information with Moldovan partners to aid in their investigation, thwarting, and disruption of the Kremlin's plans, as well as promoting accountability for those involved in these Kremlin-sponsored schemes to covertly finance political activities in Moldova.
The statement concludes with a strong message to Moscow, making it clear that the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom stand for free and fair elections and will not tolerate attempts to meddle and undermine democratic processes. The governments urge the Kremlin to abandon its efforts to subvert Moldova's democracy and to respect its sovereignty and the outcomes of free, fair, and independent elections. They reaffirm their commitment to standing with all of their friends, partners, and Allies in defense of shared democratic values and freedoms.
