The event brought together journalists from northern Moldova and offered an updated analysis of high-profile cases, including those involving the “ȘOR” Party network.

 

According to ADEPT experts, electoral corruption has evolved significantly in recent years, with increasingly sophisticated methods that are harder to detect and document. Although the public often perceives such violations as going unpunished, the year 2025 marks a turning point: the first final court decisions related to the 2021 campaigns have been issued.

A key milestone is the August 5, 2025 conviction of Evghenia Guțul, Governor of Gagauzia, and Svetlana Popan, a party secretary, who received prison sentences of 7 and 6 years, respectively — a case that required years of investigation and evidence gathering.

 

Polina Panainte, ADEPT’s Deputy Director, highlighted a structural bottleneck: the excessive duration of investigations. On average, cases of electoral corruption and illegal party financing lead to convictions only after 3–4 years.

However, the new law adopted in June 2025 sets clear procedural limits — one year for investigation and first-instance examination, and about a year and a half including the appeal — a change that could reduce the chronic delays of the past.

 

Igor Boțan, ADEPT’s Executive Director, presented recent judicial developments in cases involving the “ȘOR” Party, noting that the volume of convictions issued over the past year represents both significant progress and an important test for the rule of law.

 

ADEPT representatives stressed that removing the parties from the “ȘOR” network from the electoral process is an achievement, but state institutions must continue acting consistently, transparently, and strictly in line with the law.

 

ADEPT will continue monitoring the cases under examination and the way the justice system safeguards the integrity of democratic processes. The ADEPT Press Club platform is supported by UNDP Moldova’s EDMITE Programme.