The numerical scores and status listed above do not reflect conditions in Transnistria, which is examined in a separate report. Freedom in the World reports assess the level of political rights and civil liberties in a given geographical area, regardless of whether they are affected by the state, nonstate actors, or foreign powers. Disputed territories are sometimes assessed separately if they meet certain criteria, including boundaries that are sufficiently stable to allow year-on-year comparisons. For more information, see the report methodology and FAQ.

Moldova has a competitive electoral environment, and freedoms of assembly, speech, and religion are mostly protected. Nonetheless, pervasive corruption, links between major political figures and powerful economic interests, and critical deficiencies in the justice sector and the rule of law all hamper democratic governance.

• Incumbent president Maia Sandu was reelected in a presidential poll that took place in October and November, winning 55 percent of the second-round vote over Alexandr Stoianoglo, who took 45 percent. Sandu favored Moldova’s integration with the European Union (EU) and had backed a constitutional referendum indicating it as a priority; Stoianoglo was supported by Moldova’s socialist party, which was viewed as aligned with the Russian Federation. Stoianoglo had stated that he would work toward EU integration while also improving relations with Russia, and had opposed the constitutional referendum.
• An Organization for Co-operation and Security in Europe (OSCE) monitoring mission found the polls well administered, but noted challenges including burdensome financial reporting requirements, limited transparency of campaign finances, misuse of public resources, and unbalanced media coverage in the incumbent’s favor. The OSCE, Moldovan officials, the EU, the United States, and other observers expressed concern about a significant election interference campaign by the Russian Federation and pro-Russian political forces, including vote-buying and disinformation schemes.
• Of more than 230 polling stations established for diaspora members, only two were opened for voting in Russia, despite a diaspora there estimated at 350,000. Moldovan authorities cited security reasons for the decision.
• The referendum on “amending the constitution with a view to Moldova’s accession to the European Union” was held concurrently with the first round of the presidential election. It passed narrowly, with 50.5 percent of voters in favor and 49.5 percent opposed.
• In July, the Moldovan Center of Legal Resources released a study detailing an environment in which journalists risk becoming ensnared in politically motivated lawsuits. The study found that legal proceedings against media are examined three times slower than other civil cases, and that in more than half of cases targeting media the main plaintiffs were politicians. The study, which examined cases against media from 2019 to 2023, found that courts dismissed 70 percent of such complaints.
• A number of serious cases of gender-based sexual violence were reported during the year, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the governmental prevention work.

This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2025 due to ongoing budget constraints. Freedom in the World is entirely funded by nongovernmental sources such as private foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Please consider making a donation to support future editions of this vital resource.

For additional background information, see last year’s full report.