Unwavering EU Course: President Maia Sandu Announces Victory in Moldova’s Presidential Election
The incumbent President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, has announced her victory in the regular presidential elections.
‘Moldova, today you have won. Together, we have demonstrated the strength of our unity, democracy and desire for a decent future. Thank you, dear Moldovans, at home and abroad. Walk proudly - you are freedom, hope and resilience. I am proud to serve you all,’ Sandu said.
According to preliminary data from the Central Election Commission, with almost 99.64% of protocols counted, Maia Sandu received more than 55.32% of the vote, outpacing her rival, pro-Russian candidate Alexandru Stoianoglo, who promised to maintain close ties with Moscow. He had previously gained 44.68%.
Citizens aged 66-75 were the most active in the election, while young people aged 18-25 were the least active. Nevertheless, all age groups recorded an increased turnout. A high turnout was also observed among citizens living in unrecognised Transnistria, where Russian troops are stationed. A total of 23,294 people voted there.
According to Moldovan media, the number of votes cast by Moldovan citizens abroad exceeded 320,000. Voting at polling stations opened abroad is ongoing.
According to the Inspector General of Police of Moldova, as of 18:30 on 3 November, law enforcement officers registered 191 violations in the presidential election.
The current President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, who is running for a second term, addressed the voters after the polls closed and thanked them for their participation in the elections.
‘I want to thank everyone who took part in the elections. I would like to express my special gratitude to the residents of Chisinau who came out in large numbers to vote today. I would also like to thank the young people who set a record turnout. I thank the citizens living abroad for their exceptional mobilisation,’ she said.
The President also called on the members of the election commissions to be attentive and count the votes honestly.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Maia Sandu on her victory in the presidential election in Moldova.
‘I congratulate Maia Sandu on winning the presidential election in Moldova. Ukraine supports the European choice of the people of Moldova and is ready to work together to strengthen our partnership,’ Zelenskyy said.
As previously reported, the second round of presidential elections took place in Moldova on Sunday, 3 November.
The first round of the presidential election in Moldova started on 20 October along with a referendum on the country's accession to the European Union. The incumbent President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, led in the first round of the presidential election.
The next day, 100% of the votes in both the presidential election and the referendum were counted. 50.46% of Moldovans voted in favour of joining the EU. Maia Sandu received 42.45% of the vote, and Alexandru Stoianoglo 25.98%. They went through to the second round. A total of 11 candidates took part in the first round of the presidential race.
After the first round of the presidential election in Moldova, EU Foreign Policy Spokesperson Peter Stano said at a briefing in Brussels on 21 October that the election campaign in Moldova was held in the context of unprecedented interference by Russia, which tried to destabilise the democratic process, bribe and intimidate voters, and resorted to massive fraud.
