Sandu leads in election, while gap in referendum narrows in Moldova
Maia Sandu, President of Moldova (Getty Images)
In Moldova, the processing of voter protocols for the presidential election and the constitutional referendum on Euro-integration is nearing completion. Incumbent President Maia Sandu is receiving the majority of votes; however, the outcome of the referendum remains uncertain at this stage, according to the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Moldova.
As of now, 2,108 out of 2,219 protocols from the presidential election held in Moldova on Sunday, October 20, have been processed, accounting for exactly 95%.
Incumbent President Maia Sandu has garnered 39.85% of the votes (562,140), while her main competitor, pro-Russian politician Alexandr Stoianoglo, has received 27.71% (388,801). The leader of the Our Party, Renato Usatîi, currently holds 13.74% (193,865).
At the same time, the gap between the Yes and No votes for Moldova's Euro-integration referendum has narrowed in recent hours. This is due to the active counting of ballots from overseas polling stations, where the majority favors Euro integration.
As a result, it can be stated that the outcome of the constitutional referendum in Moldova remains uncertain.
Currently, 2,114 out of 2,219 protocols for the referendum have been processed, which constitutes 95.27%. Yes votes stand at 48.20% (656,292), while No votes account for 51.80% (705,307).
Election and referendum in Moldova
On Sunday, October 20, the presidential election and a referendum on Moldova's accession to the European Union took place.
Ahead of the voting, the Moldovan government noted that the Kremlin had spent around €100 million to disrupt the elections and the referendum.
For insights on the expectations surrounding the elections in Moldova and the risk of a pro-Russian comeback, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.
Additionally, according to the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), pro-Russian forces in Moldova may soon organize protests following the presidential election and the referendum.
