Pro-European party PAS is projected to secure a parliamentary majority in Moldova's elections, with projections indicating between 53 and 56 mandates based on 50% of votes counted. Meanwhile, a protest organized by the "Patriotic Bloc" is underway at the Central Election Commission (CEC) in Chisinau, with protesters claiming PAS has lost the elections. The protests began in urging from Patriotic Bloc leaders before final results were announced. Throughout the reporting window, preliminary results showed the pro-European PAS party, led by Maya Sandu, leading with 37% of the vote at 15% of protocols processed, while the "Patriotic Block" led by Igor Dodon followed with 34%. Projections later in the period, based on 50% of votes counted, suggested PAS could secure a parliamentary majority, with projections of 53 to 56 mandates. The CEC of Moldova confirmed that over 52% of the voting lists had participated in the parliamentary elections, according to the chairman. Additional protests were reported, with a group of Shor party supporters demonstrating at the Moldova Foreign Ministry building in Chisinau. The area around the CEC has been secured by law enforcement. Reports also indicated that the Democracy Party at home (Vasile Costiuc) might be crossing the electoral threshold. There was also a call made to fast-track Moldova's entry into NATO. Some commentary suggested that if evidence of Russian interference in the election emerges, Western troops should be prepared for deployment. Earlier in the election process, the Central Election Commission had confirmed that the parliamentary elections were taking place, with more than 52% of eligible voters having cast their ballots. The "Patriotic Bloc" protest at the CEC involved Igor Dodon attempting to address protesters. Observers noted that the vote count for the PPDA and an alternative block was still ongoing, with their scores subject to change. There was also a mention of a past event where Russia's influence in Transnistria was discussed in relation to the election outcome, with a significant portion of the population reportedly favoring Europe.
