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Moldova’s pro-European President Maia Sandu has successfully claimed a second term following a tense election run-off that many viewed as a critical decision point between aligning with Europe or Russia.
With most preliminary results tallied, Sandu emerged with nearly 55% of the vote, pledging in a late-night address to represent all Moldovans.
Her opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, backed by the pro-Russian Party of Socialists, advocated for a closer relationship with Moscow. Amidst the election, Sandu’s national security adviser reported significant interference from Russia, claiming it had the potential to skew the election results.
Russia, for its part, denied any allegations of meddling, which surfaced shortly after a similar election in Georgia, where accusations of a “Russian special operation” were made.
As polls closed, both candidates expressed gratitude to their supporters. Stoianoglo, who had been dismissed as prosecutor general by Maia Sandu, addressed voters in both Russian and Romanian.
While Romanian is the official language, Russian remains prevalent due to Moldova’s Soviet history. The voter turnout was reported at 54%, surpassing the previous election cycle, particularly buoyed by participation from Moldovans living abroad.
Election dynamics: Early leads and expat influence
Stoianoglo initially led in the vote count, capturing over 51% in Moldova itself. However, Sandu dominated in the capital, Chisinau, and among expatriate voters, ultimately overturning Stoianoglo’s early advantage.
As her lead grew late into the night, celebrations erupted at her campaign headquarters, where she praised her supporters for demonstrating a commitment to democracy.
In her victory speech, Sandu acknowledged the voices of all voters, emphasizing the need for unity in pursuing a dignified future for Moldova.
Her foreign policy adviser expressed pride in the electoral outcome, highlighting Sandu’s commitment to intensifying the fight against corruption and accelerating justice reform—a message reinforced by the current political climate and upcoming elections.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen extended her congratulations to Sandu, commending her resilience in facing the election’s challenges.
She expressed eagerness to collaborate towards a European future for Moldova. Meanwhile, Stoianoglo, who had positioned himself as an “apolitical president,” promised to foster development in harmony with both Eastern and Western influences.
Election integrity concerns and disruptions
Prior to the election, Maia Sandu warned of attempts by “thieves” to manipulate the voting process. Reports surfaced of organized transportation of voters, allegedly orchestrated by Russia, to ensure turnout in favor of Stoianoglo.
The election faced disruptions, including bomb threats at various polling locations, which added to the tense atmosphere surrounding the vote.
As a former Soviet republic, Moldova faces ongoing challenges, being one of Europe’s poorest nations. With a population of 2.5 million—and a significant expatriate community—it is under constant scrutiny regarding foreign influence, particularly from oligarchs like Ilan Shor, who has been accused of attempting to sway the election for Moscow.
Commentators warned that a Stoianoglo victory could reshape the political landscape in the region, with Russia backing him not as a “Trojan horse” but as a significant player.
Voter turnout included many from the predominantly Russian-speaking region of Transnistria, which required crossing into Moldova to exercise their rights, highlighting the complex interrelations within these communities.
Moldova’s election commission acknowledged reports of illegal voter transportation and urged the public to report violations.
Despite Sandu’s resounding first-round victory, the subsequent political dynamics shifted, reflecting the contentious atmosphere leading up to the elections.
Ultimately, a narrow referendum also approved constitutional changes favoring EU integration, marking a significant step in Moldova’s political journey.
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