Sandu wins. Election results in Moldova and world's reaction
Photo: President of Moldova Maia Sandu (Getty Images)
The pro-European leader of Moldova, Maia Sandu, wins the presidential elections. She secures victory over her opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is described as a supporter of Russia.
For more on the elections in Moldova and how the world is reacting to Sandu's reelection, see the material by RBC-Ukraine below.
Elections in Moldova
Thus, Sandu secured victory in the second round of the presidential elections in Moldova. After counting nearly 100% of the ballots, she received 55.41% of the votes, while her opponent, former Prosecutor General of Moldova Alexandr Stoianoglo, representing the opposition pro-Russian Party of Socialists, garnered 44.59% of the votes.
Consequently, Sandu's lead over Stoianoglo amounted to over 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)
Photo: results of the presidential elections in Moldova (screenshot from the CEC Moldova website)
The first round of elections in Moldova took place on October 20, during which the incumbent president also won, receiving 42.49% of the votes, while Stoianoglo garnered support from 25.9% of voters.
At the same time, a referendum was held regarding the potential further integration of Moldova with the European Union. Only after counting the votes from the diaspora at foreign polling stations did the scales tip in favor of EU accession, with 50.38% voting for it.
Importantly, despite Moscow's interference in the election process in Moldova, the majority of citizens voted for a European future. Stanislav Secrieru, advisor to the President of Moldova on national security, accused Russia of "massive interference" in the voting process to distort the results.
Official Chisinau reported organized transportation of voters to polling stations, fake "bomb threats" at polling places (including abroad), and bribery of voters. However, the Kremlin traditionally dismisses all accusations against it.
Nonetheless, Russian interference has faced defeat. As Bloomberg writes, Sandu's reelection serves as a test of the resilience of pro-European sentiments on the eastern border of Europe.
Reactions from Sandu
The President of Moldova has already announced her victory in the elections and addressed her fellow citizens after her win, stating that she wants to be a president for everyone, including those who did not vote for her.
She emphasized that "Moldova has won" and that the citizens of the country "have provided a lesson in democracy worthy of being recorded in history textbooks."
"Moldova has faced an unprecedented attack in the history of all of Europe: dirty money, illegal vote buying, interference in electoral processes by criminal groups, and the spread of hatred and fear in our society. But our people united, and the citizens triumphed," she said.
As reported by the media, the President of Moldova also addressed voters in Russian.
"Dear Moldovans, I am grateful to each of you who came to vote. I heard your voice: both those who supported me and those who voted for Stoyanoglo. I commit to being the president for all of you. In our choice of a worthy future, no one loses... We need to unite 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 a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges you've faced in this election. I'm glad to continue working with you towards a European future for Moldova and its people," von der Leyen added.
For her part, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, emphasized that Sandu "led the charge for democracy, rule of law and a European future."
"She has shown extraordinary courage and leadership to stand up for her people. Europe will keep standing with Moldova on this journey on this path," Metsola stated.
French President Emmanuel Macron also congratulated Sandu on her victory, saying, "Democracy has triumphed over all interference and maneuvers."
The Prime Minister of Poland, while congratulating the President of Moldova on her reelection, emphasized that she was able to achieve victory against the "favorite of Moscow," despite the "aggressive and large-scale interference of Russia 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 will of the people of Moldova to defend democracy and secure their path toward joining the EU."
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also joined in the congratulations. He emphasized that "Ukraine supports the European choice of the Moldovan people and stands ready to work together to strengthen our partnership."
"Moldovans have made a clear choice — they chose a path toward economic growth and social stability. Only true security and a peaceful, united Europe can guarantee each person and every family the confidence to face tomorrow with hope and certainty," Zelenskyy added.
Sources: information from the Central Election Commission of Moldova, material from Newsmaker, Bloomberg, the Facebook page of Moldova's President Maia Sandu, and statements from leaders of European countries.
For a detailed look at how the elections and referendum unfolded and what it means for Moldova, read separate material by RBC-Ukraine.
