Moldova’s pro-Western president wins second round against Russia-friendly opponent – The Irish News

Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu won a second term in a runoff presidential election against a Russia-friendly challenger in a race marred by allegations of Russian interference, fraud and intimidation.

With nearly 98% of the vote counted in the second round of the presidential race on Sunday, Ms Sandu received 54% of the total, according to data from the Central Election Commission (CEC), compared to 46% for Oleksandr Stoyanoglo, the former prosecutor general she supported. pro-Russian Party of Socialists.

According to the CEC, when local polling stations closed at 21:00 (19:00 GMT), the turnout was more than 1.68 million people – about 54% of eligible voters.

The result will be a relief to the EU candidate country’s pro-Western government, which has strongly supported Ms Sandu’s candidacy and her desire for closer ties with the West on Moldova’s EU path.

“Moldova, you won. Today, dear Moldovans, you taught a lesson in democracy worthy of being written down in the history books. Today you saved Moldova. In our choice of a dignified future, no one lost,” said Ms. Sandu.

In the first round, which took place on October 20, Ms Sandu won 42% of the vote, but was unable to defeat second-placed Mr Stojanoglo.

The office of president carries significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security, and has a four-year term.