The article examines the relationship between political modernization and democratization, referring to the modernization of the state and the society of the Republic of Moldova during the democratic transition. It is demonstrated that the concept of modernization of the state acquires new valences and meanings, specific to the political realities of the Republic of Moldova. It is concluded that the political modernization of the Republic of Moldova under the auspices of democratization and in the context of the enlargement of the European integration process must contribute to several factors, including the capacity to renew the traditional political elites and thus modernizing political elites manifested by the alternation to power of political leaders and party competition, by minimizing the role and legitimacy of traditional elites, and by including new, meritorious, non-elite people in politics.