Maia Sandu re-elected – Moldova remains on course to Europe – News

Author:

An analysis by Peter Balzli

04.11.2024, 05:46

In the end it’s another real election crime thriller. The pro-Russian candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo has been in the lead for a long time. But when the votes of the capital Chisinau and then of those eligible to vote abroad are counted, the tide turns: In the end, the incumbent pro-European President Maia Sandu is ahead of her rival with 55.4 percent of the vote.

Again, no relief

The run-off election for the presidency was seen as a landmark in the question of whether Moldova would turn to Moscow or Brussels in the future. The result lets the pro-European camp breathe a sigh of relief. But once again he fails to achieve his great liberation. The result is too close for the government to head euphorically towards Brussels.

The government in Chisinau accuses Russia of massive interference. The Kremlin rejected similar allegations in the first round of voting and demanded evidence. Of course, there are again numerous indications of vote buying and election manipulation on the part of the pro-Russian side. The authorities speak of “provocations and attempts at destabilization”.

The police are investigating alleged “organized transports” of Moldovans living in Russia to the ballot boxes in Belarus, Azerbaijan and Turkey in order to enable them to take part in the runoff elections in consulates or embassies. There were also false bomb alarms and cyber attacks during voting abroad.

The fear of Moscow

But even if the allegations are confirmed: a large part of the people in the Republic of Moldova apparently have no desire to become part of the European Union. There are fears of prices like those in Western Europe and the anger of the Kremlin. Since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine, many Moldovans have feared that Moscow could attack their country next.

The Republic of Moldova has around 2.5 million inhabitants and is traditionally torn between Europe and Russia. This is likely to remain the case for the time being after this election.