The pro-Western president of Moldova wins a second term

Moldovan President Maia Sandu makes a statement after winning a second term in a key second round presidential election against a Russia-friendly opponent in Chisinau, Moldova, November 4. (AP)

CHISINAU, Moldova, Nov. 4 (AP): Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu won a second term in a key presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly challenger in a race marred by allegations of Russian interference, election fraud and intimidation in the country- candidates for joining the European Union.

With almost 99% of the vote counted in the second round of Sunday’s presidential election, Sandu won 55% of the vote, according to data from the Central Election Commission (CEC), compared to 45% for Oleksandr Stoyanoglo, a former prosecutor general who, with the support of the pro-Russian Socialist parties. The result will be a big relief for the pro-Western government, which strongly supported Sandu’s candidacy, and its push for closer ties with the West on Moldova’s path to the EU.

“Moldova, you won! Today, dear Moldovans, you taught a lesson in democracy worthy of being written down in history books. Today you saved Moldova!” After claiming victory after midnight, Sandu said her country’s vote had come under “unprecedented attack” due to alleged schemes including dirty money, vote-buying and election interference by “hostile forces from outside the country” and criminal groups. .

“You have shown that nothing can stand in the way of the power of the people when they decide to speak through their voice,” she added. Speaking ahead of the final vote count, Stoyanoglo told media that “everyone’s voice deserves respect” and that he hoped “from now on we will end the hatred and division imposed on us.”

It is not known whether he publicly commented on his election defeat. 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 large Moldovan diaspora, which voted in a record number of more than 325,000 people, voted for Sanda in the second round. In the first round, which took place on October 20, Sandu received 42% of the vote, but could not defeat Stojanoglo, who took second place. The office of president carries significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security, and has a four-year term.