The first partial results from the Republic of Moldova, based on only a fraction of the votes, showed that 56% of Moldovans voted “no” in the referendum on EU membership and placed the current president Maia Sandu by just a few percentage points ahead of her rival his, in the presidential elections, writes Reuters.
“The results displayed on the Central Electoral Commission’s website change in real time, but could represent a major political setback for Sandu’s pro-Western government if they hold,” the agency comments.
The article was published when 34% of the minutes were centralized, when Maia Sandu had 35% of the votes, and her opponent, a former prosecutor general supported by pro-Russian socialists, had 29%. When the count reached 88%, Maia Sandu had 37% of the votes and Stolianoglo – 29%. Thus, it is increasingly clear that the two will face each other in the second round of the elections.
“While the results may change as more ballots are counted, particularly among the large diaspora in the West, they are almost certainly a shock to Sandu’s team,” writes Reuters.
And this, the British agency points out, because the polls showed that it has a comfortable lead over Stolianoglo and the other candidates. However, polls have also shown that many voters are still undecided.
The period leading up to the vote was overshadowed by a series of accusations of electoral interference by oligarch Ilan Şor, supported by Russia, Reuters recalls. Russia has denied any meddling, while Shore has denied any wrongdoing.
Moldova has alternated between pro-Western and pro-Russian orientations since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Relations with Moscow deteriorated during Maia Sandu’s presidency. His government condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, accused Russia of a plot to overthrow him and diversified energy supplies after Russia cut gas supplies.
Oazu Nantoi, an MP from Sandu’s PAS party, blamed the result on what he said was “hybrid” Russian interference, including disinformation.
“We are in the gray area and under the great influence of Putin. It is clear that the preliminary results reflect the real numbers,” he told Reuters by phone.
Publisher: Ş.A.
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