Sandu triumphs. What are the election results in Moldova and how is the world responding?
The current pro-European leader of Moldova, Maia Sandu, wins the presidential elections. She secures victory over her opponent, Alexandru Stoianoglo, who is referred to as a sympathizer of Russia.
More about the elections in Moldova and how the world is reacting to Sandu's re-election can be found in the article by RBK-Ukraine below.
Elections in Moldova
Thus, Sandu triumphed in the second round of the presidential elections in Moldova. After counting nearly 100% of the ballots, she received… votes, while her opponent – former General Prosecutor of Moldova Alexandru Stoianoglo, representing the opposition pro-Russian "Party of Socialists," received… votes.
As a result, Sandu's lead over Stoianoglo amounted to more than 181,730 votes. Voter turnout exceeded 54%, which is higher than in the first round and also higher than in the second round of the presidential elections in 2020.
Photo: results of the presidential elections in Moldova (screenshot from the CEC Moldova website)
It is noteworthy that the first round of elections in Moldova took place on October 20, during which the incumbent president also won, garnering 42.49% of the votes, while Stoianoglo received support from 25.9% of voters.
Simultaneously, a referendum on the potential further integration of Moldova with the European Union was held. Only after counting the votes from the diaspora at overseas polling stations did the scales tip to 50.38% in favor of joining the EU.
Importantly, despite Moscow's interference in the electoral process in Moldova, the majority of citizens voted for a European future. Moldova's presidential advisor on national security, Stanislav Secrieru, accused Russia of "massive interference" in the voting process to distort the results.
Official Kishinev reported organized transportation of voters to polling stations, fake "bomb threats" at polling places (including abroad), and bribery of voters. However, the Kremlin traditionally denies all accusations against it.
Nevertheless, Russian interference faced defeat. As Bloomberg reports, Sandu's re-election served as a test of the resilience of pro-European sentiments on Europe's eastern border.
Sandu's Reaction
The President of Moldova has already announced her victory in the elections, addressing her fellow citizens after her win and stating that she wants to be a president for all – including those who did not vote for her.
She emphasized that "Moldova has won," and the citizens of the country "have provided a lesson in democracy worthy of being inscribed in history textbooks."
"Moldova has faced an unprecedented attack in the history of all Europe: dirty money, illegal vote buying, interference in electoral processes by criminal groups, the spread of hatred and fear in our society. But our people united, and the citizens prevailed," she said.
According to media reports, the President of Moldova also addressed voters in Russian.
"Dear Moldovans, I am grateful to each of you who came to the polls. I have heard your voice: both from those who supported me and those who voted for Stoianoglo. I commit to being the president for all of you. In our choice for a worthy future, no one will lose... We need the unification of society," Sandu emphasized.
Who Has Already Congratulated Sandu
European leaders have already congratulated Sandu on her victory in the second round. Among them is the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
"It takes rare strength to cope with the challenges you faced in this election. I look forward to continuing to work with you for a European future for Moldova and its people," von der Leyen added.
In turn, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola emphasized that Sandu "led the movement for democracy, the rule of law, and a European future."
"She demonstrated extraordinary courage and leadership in defending the interests of her people. Europe will continue to support Moldova on this path," Metsola stated.
Sandu also received congratulations from President of France Emmanuel Macron. He stated that "democracy triumphed over all interventions and maneuvers."
Prime Minister of Poland congratulating the President of Moldova on her re-election, emphasized that she managed to win against the "favorite of Moscow," despite "aggressive and large-scale Russian interference in the presidential elections."
As noted by the Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu, the victory of the pro-European president is "clear evidence of the freedom of the people of Moldova to defend democracy and secure their path to EU membership."
President Volodymyr Zelensky also joined in the congratulations. He emphasized that "Ukraine supports the European choice of the people of Moldova and is ready to work together to strengthen partnerships."
"Moldovans made a clear choice – they chose the path to economic growth and social stability. Only true security and a peaceful united Europe can guarantee every person and every family the confidence to meet tomorrow with hope and certainty," added Zelensky.
This material was prepared using data from the CEC of Moldova, Newsmaker publication, and Bloomberg. The Facebook page of the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, as well as statements from European leaders were also referenced.
For detailed information on how the elections and referendum were conducted and what this means for Moldova - read in a separate article by RBK-Ukraine.