Presidential election in Moldova – Maia Sandu wins runoff election

The pro-Western head of state Maia Sandu has won the runoff election for the presidency in Moldova. After almost 98 percent of the votes were counted, the 52-year-old had a vote share of 54 percent as of late Sunday evening local time, according to the Central Election Commission – and was therefore unassailable ahead of her challenger Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is supported by the pro-Russian socialists, and therefore 46th percent came. The vote on Sunday was again accompanied by allegations of Russian election interference.

«Moldova, you are victorious! Today, dear Moldovans, you taught a lesson in democracy that is worthy of being recorded in the history books. Today you saved Moldova! Nobody lost in our decision for a dignified future,” said Sandu.

When the polling stations closed at 9 p.m. local time, according to official figures, more than 1.68 million people had cast their votes – around 54 percent of those eligible to vote. In the first round of voting on October 20th, Sandu received 42 percent of the vote and thus missed an absolute majority. Stoianoglo surprised with a vote share of 26 percent.

The Moldovan diaspora played an important role in ensuring that a nationwide referendum on enshrining the goal of EU accession in the constitution received a narrow majority of 50.35 percent in the first round of voting. The Moldovan authorities and the EU assumed a campaign of interference and intimidation by Russia. After the first round of elections, Sandu spoke of a disgusting attack on Moldova’s sovereignty. The runoff election on Sunday was again accompanied by allegations of election interference.

Sandu’s election victory is likely to be a great relief for the pro-Western government, which strongly supported her candidacy.

DPA/nag

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