Pro-EU president declares victory in highly contentious election
Moldova’s incumbent pro-EU president, Maia Sandu, declared victory in Sunday’s runoff election after an official tally gave her a 10-point lead over former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo.
With over 98% of ballots counted, Sandu had received 55.03% of the votes, while Stoianoglo had 44.97%, news channel TVR reported in the early hours of Monday, citing the Central Electoral Commission.
Although early results indicated a slim lead for Stoianoglo, Sandu overtook him at around midnight, and the gap gradually widened as more votes were counted overnight.
“Moldova, today you are victorious. Together, we’ve shown the strength of our unity, democracy, and commitment to a dignified future,” Sandu wrote on X shortly after 1 am local time on Monday.
At a press conference, Sandu described the election result as “a lesson in democracy that deserves to be included in the history books.” Addressing the nation’s Russian-speaking minority, she promised to be “a president for everyone.”
“We may have a difference of opinion and may speak different languages, but we all want peace, mutual understanding, and a worthy life for our children,” Sandu said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has congratulated Sandu, pledging to “continue working with you towards a European future for Moldova and its people.”
Before the results were announced, Stoianoglo, who advocates for good relations with both the EU and Russia, urged everyone to keep calm. “I sincerely hope that we will put an end to the hatred and division that has been imposed on us,” he said.
The election, which is widely seen as pivotal for Moldova’s aspirations to join the EU, had been marred by accusations of rigging and voter manipulation from both the government and the opposition.
The Party of Socialists, which supports Stoianoglo, and other opposition groups, have criticized the authorities for opening only two polling stations at Moldova’s embassy in Moscow, despite a large number of Moldovan expatriates living in Russia.
Moldovans living in Western Europe heavily contributed to Sandu’s victory during the first round on October 20. The president thanked the expat community on Sunday. “Diaspora turnout has reached a record high, with Moldovans still voting across [time zones]. Proud of each of you for making your voice heard,” she wrote.
Sandu has accused Russia of meddling in the election, and unspecified “criminal groups” of attempting to “purchase” votes. Sandu’s national security adviser, Stanislav Secrieru, wrote on X that monitors had flagged “organized voter transportation” to the polls, which is illegal under Moldovan law. Russia has dismissed all claims of foreign interference as baseless.
Moldova held a referendum last month on whether the “strategic objective” of integrating with the EU should be enshrined in its constitution, with 50.35% voting for the amendment, and 49.65% voting against it.
