The pro-European president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, has declared her victory over the Russia-backed candidate, Alexander Stoianoglo.
The voting in the presidential elections in Moldova was overshadowed by accusations of Russian interference and fraud.
After counting 98.8% of the ballots in the elections held on November 3, the Central Electoral Commission reported that Sandu received 54.97% of the votes, while Stoianoglo garnered 45.03%, trailing her by approximately 165,000 votes.
“Moldova, you have won! Today, dear Moldovans, you have provided a lesson in democracy worthy of being written in history books. Today you have saved Moldova! In our choice for a worthy future, no one has lost,” Sandu stated.
Stoianoglo initially led, but his advantage diminished as votes were counted in major cities where Sandu has the most support.
After most polling stations closed, Stoianoglo remarked that the high voter turnout indicates that Moldova is not just a point on the map, but a country of responsible individuals. Sandu announced her victory, while Stoianoglo called for calm, stating that “democracy means, above all, maturity in the face of results.”
The Central Electoral Commission reported that voter turnout exceeded 54%, a higher figure than in the first round, and also surpasses the turnout in the second round of the 2020 presidential elections.
The voting took place amid accusations of Russian interference in both the presidential race and the referendum on potential Moldova's integration into the European Union—a course supported by Sandu and her backers.
However, this is not the end. It is crucial not only to win the presidential elections but also to maintain the presidency for the next four years. The situation is far more critical regarding the parliamentary elections in 2025. Russia has already demonstrated its network of bribery, propaganda, and manipulation, so Maia Sandu and her team have much work ahead.
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