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Moldova’s incumbent pro-EU president, Maia Sandu, is leading by a razor-thin margin in the highly contentious runoff election against former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo.
With over 96% ballots counted, Sandu has received 52.76% of the votes, while Stoianoglo received 47.24%, news channel TVR reported in the early hours of Sunday, citing the official tally.
Sandu declared victory shortly after 1 am local time on Sunday. “Moldova, today you are victorious. Together, we’ve shown the strength of our unity, democracy, and commitment to a dignified future,” she said.
Before the results were announced, Stoianoglu, 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, has 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 organizing just two polling stations in the Moldova’s embassy in Moscow, despite a large number of Moldovan expats living in Russia.
Experts said that Moldovans living in Western Europe likely contributed to Sandu’s victory during the first round of the election 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 elections and unspecified “criminal groups” of attempting to “purchase” votes. Sandu’s national security adviser, Stanislav Secrieru, wrote on X that monitors flagged “organized voter transportation” to the polls, which is illegal under Moldova’s laws. 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.
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