In Moldova, President Maia Sandu re-elected despite suspicions of Russian interference

INTERNATIONAL – New victory for pro-Europeans in Eastern Europe. Moldova confirmed this Sunday, November 3, its trajectory towards integration into the EU by reappointing its president Maia Sandu following a tense election against a backdrop of suspicions of Russian interference.

“Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy worthy of inclusion in the history books”she said at her campaign headquarters, in a supercharged atmosphere.

The 52-year-old candidate received 54.9% of the vote, compared to 45% for Alexandr Stoianoglo, a 57-year-old former prosecutor supported by the pro-Russian socialists, according to the quasi-final results published by the Electoral Commission.

“Democracy” has “triumphed”, congratulates Macron

Although he initially led, the trend reversed as the votes were counted. The one his adversaries treat “man from Moscow” did not speak during the night but had called a little earlier “quietly”.

As during the recent legislative elections in Georgia, another former Soviet republic, Russia was accused of interference in the electoral process, allegations categorically rejected by the Kremlin.

But this time the outcome was favorable to the pro-EU camp. Brussels reacted very quickly, with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, saying “happy to continue working” with Maia Sandu for a “European future”. French President Emmanuel Macron was delighted that the ” democracy “ ait “triumphed over all interference and maneuvers”.

The diaspora tipped the scales

The first woman to occupy, in 2020, the highest positions in this state located between NATO and the Russian sphere of influence, Maia Sandu turned her back on Vladimir Putin after the Russian invasion of neighboring Ukraine and carried out a clear turn towards the West.

She came well ahead of the first round on October 20 but her rival was able to count on the support of several small candidates to narrow the gap. It even imposed itself on the sole territory of Moldova but the mobilization of the large diaspora “tipped the election”commented for AFP the French political scientist Florent Parmentier, a specialist in the region.

Throughout the day, authorities reported “attempts at destabilization”. Police said they were investigating Russia's alleged establishment of “organized transport” to Belarus, Azerbaijan and Turkey to allow voters residing on its soil to vote in the Moldovan consulates or embassies of these countries. Cyberattacks and false bomb threats have also been reported.

Alexandr Stoianoglo denied “having ties to the Kremlin”

By voting with his wife and two daughters, Alexandr Stoianoglo had denied “have ties to the Kremlin” and any involvement “in electoral fraud”. He defended “a Moldova that does not ask for alms but develops harmonious relations with both East and West”.

Moldova has suffered the full brunt of the consequences of the war in Ukraine, from the influx of refugees to the explosion in energy costs. “It is the first target of the hybrid war led by Russia”estimates Andrei Curararu, of the WatchDog think tank.

“Despite everything, Moldova has demonstrated twice that its desire to join the EU is stronger than pressure from Moscow”he added, emphasizing that “to stay this course, the country will need help”. With the sights set on crucial legislative elections in the summer of 2025.

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