The European Union has expressed its support for the re-election of Moldova’s pro-European President Maia Sandu, following a contentious vote that has highlighted the schisms in the former Soviet nation neighboring Ukraine, which is currently experiencing conflict.
With strong backing from the nation’s substantial diaspora, Ms. Sandu secured 55.41% of the votes, as per the nearly finalized results released by the election commission.
Her opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is backed by the pro-Russian Socialists, received 44.59% of the votes.
The pivotal vote held yesterday was marred by accusations of Russian interference.
“Moldovans have once again demonstrated their resolve to forge a European future in spite of hybrid attempts to undermine democracy,” tweeted EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, also extended her congratulations to Ms. Sandu on her re-election, emphasizing the country’s “European future”.
Congratulations, dear @sandumaiamd, on your victory tonight.
It takes a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges you’ve faced in this election.
I’m glad to continue collaborating with you towards a European future for Moldova and its citizens. pic.twitter.com/YcCurwhpCq
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 3, 2024
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked that Ms. Sandu has “successfully navigated the Republic of Moldova through challenging times and established her country’s European trajectory.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also congratulated Ms. Sandu, stating: “Only true security and a peaceful, united Europe can provide every individual and family the confidence to face tomorrow with hope and certainty.”
French President Emmanuel Macron noted that democracy had “prevailed over all interference and manipulation”.
Similar to Georgia, another former Soviet nation where the ruling party won a disputed parliamentary election recently, Russia has been accused of attempting to influence voters.
Maia Sandu achieved 54.94% of the vote compared to 45.06% for Alexandr Stoianoglo.
Russia has rejected these allegations.
Moldovan officials reported incidents of “attacks, provocations, and attempts at destabilization” from the previous day.
Authorities indicated they are looking into claims that Russia utilized “organized transportation” to Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, enabling individuals residing in Russia to cast their votes at Moldovan missions in those regions.
Cyberattacks and false bomb threats reportedly targeted voting operations for those residing abroad, according to authorities.
Voter turnout exceeded that of the first round on October 20, when Ms. Sandu led with 42.5% while Mr. Stoianoglo secured 26%.
Sandu promises to be ‘president for all’
Ms. Sandu attributed her success to Moldovans living outside the country, many of whom reside in EU nations.
The 52-year-old former World Bank economist lost support within Moldova itself, as indicated by election results.
Moldova remains deeply divided.
A significant portion of the diaspora and residents in the capital advocate for EU membership, whereas rural regions and the pro-Russian separatist areas of Transnistria and Gagauzia oppose it.
“This is what swayed the election,” stated Florent Parmentier, a political scientist from Paris-based Sciences Po, pointing out Ms. Sandu’s “reliance on external support.”
In her conciliatory address, delivered predominantly in Romanian, the official language, but also incorporating some Russian, Ms. Sandu promised to be a “president for all”.
“I have heard your voices—both from those who support me and those who voted otherwise,” she expressed.
“Regardless of your voting choice, we all desire to live in peace and harmony and to aspire for a better future. I assure you that this will be my primary objective for the years ahead.”
“Today, dear Moldovans, you have provided a lesson in democracy that merits a place in history books… Freedom, truth, and justice have triumphed,” Ms. Sandu declared.
While casting his vote yesterday, Alexandr Stoianoglo asserted he had ‘no ties to the Kremlin’
Her challenger Alexandr Stoianoglo, 57, whom Ms. Sandu dismissed as the prosecutor general last year, urged the populace “to remain calm, irrespective of the figures” as initial results were announced.
He did not make any further statements after Ms. Sandu claimed victory.
After Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ms. Sandu applied for Moldova’s EU membership. The accession negotiations officially commenced in June.
In the October 20 referendum, 50.35% expressed support for EU membership, with Ms. Sandu attributing the narrow result in the nation of 2.6 million people to “foreign interference.”
Authorities uncovered a Russian plot to purchase votes, which they believed could have influenced up to a quarter of the ballots.
While casting his vote yesterday, Mr. Stoianoglo claimed he had “no connections with the Kremlin”.
Although he also supports EU membership, he abstained from the referendum.
To maintain its pro-EU trajectory, Moldova will require “substantial assistance” given “the hybrid warfare waged by Russia,” according to Andrei Curararu, an analyst at the Chisinau-based WatchDog think tank.
“It cannot succeed alone,” he emphasized, previously citing “unprecedented pressure” with more than $100 million (€91 million) estimated to have been expended on “destabilization efforts.”
