Maia Sandu Reappointed President of Moldova

Another step towards European integration for Moldova: pro-EU President Maia Sandu won a second term with over 54% of the vote in the run-off election. Her opponent, former prosecutor backed by pro-Russian socialists Alexandr Stoianoglo, stopped at 45%. This outcome is considered crucial for the political future of the country.

The Victory of Sandu

The result was achieved after an uncertain start, with Stoianoglo starting out ahead in the first partial data. However, the decisive support came from the capital Chisinau and the Moldovan diaspora, traditionally favorable to the West. The polls thus dispelled fears of a return of Moldova under Russian influence and confirmed the choice in favor of joining the European Union, also supported in the recent referendum, won by a whisker with 50.46%.

“Democracy has triumphed over all interference,” French President Emmanuel Macron said after Sandu’s victory.

Campaign and Controversies

During the two weeks preceding the runoff, candidates intensified their campaigns both on social media and in the villages. This was essential to counter the massive vote-buying, denounced by the authorities. Before the vote, the police reported disinformation operations with fake emails and death threats:

“A virulent attack” aimed at “sowing panic and fear”, said Prime Minister Dorin Recean. Despite these difficulties, voter turnout was higher than in the first round. In addition, law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation into alleged “organized transportation” from Russia to encourage Moldovans living abroad to vote in countries such as Belarus, Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Political Polarization

The electoral competition highlighted the extreme political polarization of the country: on one side there are the urban areas and the diaspora that favor European integration; on the other, the rural regions and provinces such as Transnistria and Gagauzia that lean toward Russia. In this electoral contest, the vote of the emigrants proved decisive in strengthening Moldova’s European path.