Moldova's pro-EU incumbent Maia Sandu has won a tense presidential runoff, beating her rival backed by a pro-Russian party in what she described as a 'lesson in democracy'.
The election in the ex-Soviet republic that lies between Ukraine and the European Union has been overshadowed by allegations of meddling by Moscow.
The key vote took place just two weeks after a referendum backed joining the EU by a razor-thin margin.
Sandu stood at 54.94 percent of the vote against 45.06 percent for Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is supported by the pro-Russian Socialists and whom Sandu fired as prosecutor general last year, according to near-complete results published by the election commission.
"Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of being written in history books... Freedom, truth, and justice have prevailed," Sandu declared.
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Sandu on her claim to have won the country's presidential election, saying it represented a "triumph for democracy".
"I congratulate Maia Sandu on her re-election to lead Moldova. Democracy has triumphed over interference and manoeuvres from outside. France will continue to stand beside Moldova on the country's European path," Macron said in a post on social media.
'Honest vote'
Earlier, the 52-year-old former World Bank economist thanked jubilant supporters for "their honest vote".
Her rival Stoianoglo, urged people "to remain calm, regardless of the figures".
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Sandu on her re-election victory and the country's "European future", saying it took "a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges you've faced in this election".
Like in Georgia – another ex-Soviet country where the ruling party won a contested parliamentary election last weekend – Russia has been accused of seeking to sway voters.
Moscow has denied the allegations.
Moldovan authorities reported "attacks, provocations and attempts at destabilisation" on Sunday.
Police said they were investigating Russia's alleged use of "organised transportation" to Belarus, Azerbaijan and Turkey so people living in Russia could vote at Moldovan missions in those countries.
Cyberattacks and fake bomb threats also reportedly targeted out-of-country voting operations.
EU aspirations
Sandu applied for Moldova to join the EU after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Accession negotiations formally opened in June.
In the October 20 referendum, 50.35 percent backed EU membership, with Sandu blaming "foreign interference" for the narrow result in the country of 2.6 million people.
Police said they uncovered a Russian vote-buying scheme that could have affected up to a quarter of the ballots.
Casting his vote on Sunday, Stoianoglo said he had "no relations with the Kremlin".
While he also favours joining the EU, he boycotted the referendum.
A large diaspora and the capital mostly favour joining the EU, while rural areas and the pro-Russian separatist regions of Transnistria and Gagauzia are against.
Election results have shown Sandu lost in the territory of Moldova itself, with her owing her victory to the diaspora.
"This is what tipped the election," said Florent Parmentier, a political scientist at Paris-based Sciences Po, noting Sandu's "dependence on the outside".
(With AFP)
