Moldova's pro-Western President Maia Sandu has secured a second term in a crucial presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly opponent, amidst allegations of Russian interference, voter fraud, and intimidation in the European Union candidate country.
With nearly 99% of votes counted in the second round of the presidential election held Sunday, Sandu emerged victorious with 55% of the vote, according to the Central Electoral Commission (CEC), while her opponent Alexandr Stoianoglo, backed by the pro-Russia Party of Socialists, garnered 45%.
The outcome is a significant win for the pro-Western government, which strongly supported Sandu's candidacy and her efforts to strengthen ties with the West as Moldova progresses towards EU membership.
Following her victory, Sandu declared, 'Moldova, you are victorious! Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of being written in history books. Today, you have saved Moldova!'
Sandu highlighted the challenges faced during the election, including alleged schemes of dirty money, vote-buying, and external electoral interference, emphasizing the resilience of the people's power through their votes.
European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Sandu on her win, acknowledging the strength required to overcome the election's challenges.
The election process was marred by allegations of vote-buying, Russian interference, and voter intimidation, with Moldova's diaspora playing a crucial role in the voting process.
Moldovan police uncovered organized transportation of voters to polling stations, false bomb threats targeting polling stations abroad, and cyberattacks on the national voter record systems, all aimed at disrupting the electoral process.
In the aftermath of the election, efforts to combat voter fraud and corruption intensified, with law enforcement cracking down on illicit activities, including a vote-buying scheme orchestrated by a convicted oligarch.
The election results underscored the challenges faced by Moldova's judiciary in safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring free and fair elections.
Looking ahead, Moldova's EU future remains at stake, with geopolitical tensions expected to persist leading up to the 2025 legislative elections. The country's pro-Western stance and aspirations for EU membership continue to shape its political landscape and relations with neighboring countries.
