In a significant electoral victory for Moldova, pro-Western President Maia Sandu has successfully secured a second term, triumphing in a runoff election against her Russia-friendly challenger, Alexandr Stoianoglo. The election, held on Sunday, was marked by concerns over Russian interference, voter fraud, and intimidation, which added urgency to the political landscape.
With nearly 99% of votes counted, Sandu received approximately 54.7% of the ballots cast, while Stoianoglo garnered 45.3%, according to the Central Electoral Commission (CEC). This result has been welcomed by the pro-Western government, which has vigorously supported Sandu’s campaign and her vision for Moldova’s integration into the European Union.
In her victory speech, delivered shortly after midnight, Sandu expressed her gratitude to the electorate, stating, “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.” She emphasized that her victory represented a collective triumph for a future grounded in dignity and democracy, adding, “In our choice for a dignified future, no one lost.”
Despite the celebration, Sandu lamented what she termed an “unprecedented attack” on the electoral process. She pointed to claims of illicit financing, vote-buying, and foreign interference orchestrated by hostile entities. “You have shown that nothing can stand in the way of the people’s power when they choose to speak through their vote,” she asserted.
The voter turnout was reported at over 54%, with more than 1.68 million ballots cast. A notable surge in participation came from Moldova’s diaspora, which voted in record numbers, contributing to Sandu’s decisive lead. In the initial round of voting held on October 20, Sandu had secured 42% but fell short of an outright majority.
Moldovan authorities are currently investigating reports of organized voter transportation, a violation of electoral laws. Police indicated they possess “reasonable evidence” of illegal activities that compromised the integrity of the voting process. The foreign ministry also reported false bomb threats at polling stations in Frankfurt and the UK, designed to disrupt voting.
Amid these tensions, Stanislav Secrieru, Sandu’s national security adviser, highlighted the pervasive influence of Russian interference, warning it poses a significant threat to the electoral outcome. He reported ongoing cyberattacks targeting national voter registration systems, aimed at disrupting communications between domestic and overseas polling stations.
Prime Minister Dorin Recean described the intimidation tactics employed during the election, noting that numerous voters had received anonymous death threats in an effort to coerce them at the polls. After casting her ballot in Chisinau, Sandu reiterated the importance of unity and independence, declaring, “Thieves want to buy our vote, thieves want to buy our country, but the power of the people is infinitely greater.”