CHISINAU -- Acting President Vladimir Voronin says the survival of the Moldovan state is at stake in the upcoming parliamentary elections, RFE/RL's Moldovan Service reports.
Voronin, who leads the Communist Party, accused the opposition of trying to undermine Moldova's independence with the help of neighboring Romania and "criminals."
His comments on June 26 are part of an election campaign that has been called "nasty" by the Moldovan media.
Vsevolod Ciornei, from the weekly "Saptamana," told RFE/RL that wild allegations are not the monopoly of the ruling Communists, pointing out that the opposition uses the term "criminal" in most statements it makes about the government.
Moldova held parliamentary elections on April 5. However, a new poll had to be called after the new parliament failed twice to elect a successor for Voronin, who has ruled the country since 2001 but is barred by the constitution from running for a third term.
Fresh elections will be held on July 29.