Maia Sandu has won re-election as Moldova’s president in a tightly contested runoff against Alexandr Stoianoglo, securing approximately 55% of the vote. Her victory was bolstered by strong support from Moldovans abroad. In her bilingual address, Sandu emphasized unity and the nation’s EU aspirations amidst ongoing challenges, including allegations of electoral interference and corruption. With a voter turnout of 54.3%, her leadership will be crucial as Moldova seeks to strengthen ties with Europe.
Maia Sandu Secures Presidency in Moldova
Maia Sandu has successfully retained her position as the President of Moldova after a closely contested runoff election. Initially, her opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, seemed poised for victory, but as the night progressed, the tide turned in Sandu’s favor. In her first address post-election, Sandu made a point to communicate in both Romanian and Russian, reflecting the nation’s linguistic diversity.
Election Night Developments
On Sunday evening, Moldovan television provided live coverage of the election, but there were no exit polls or forecasts available. The results came in gradually from polling stations, as reported by the Central Election Commission in Chisinau. For the first couple of hours, Stoianoglo maintained a slight lead, declaring the evening a “moment of truth” as every vote held immense importance for the country’s future.
However, the situation shifted dramatically within two hours, largely due to the significant support Sandu received from Moldovans living abroad, where she garnered over 80 percent of the votes. Ultimately, around midnight, it became clear that Sandu had emerged victorious, securing approximately 55 percent of the total votes, which allows her to continue her presidency for another four years.
“Dear Moldovans, I am sincerely grateful – I have heard your voices, whether in support of me or Mr. Stoianoglo. I pledge to be the president for all of you. In our collective choice for a brighter future, no one has lost,” Sandu stated following the announcement of the results.
A Divided Nation and Calls for EU Membership
Sandu’s victory speech was noteworthy not only for its bilingual delivery but also for the context of division within Moldova. The recent referendum resulted in a narrow majority vote to enshrine the country’s EU aspirations in its constitution. Following the onset of Russia’s war against Ukraine, Sandu has been vocal about pursuing EU membership, emphasizing Moldova’s strategic location between Ukraine and Romania.
While the negotiations for EU accession have officially commenced for both Ukraine and Moldova, Sandu also addressed the challenges her administration faces. “Moldova has encountered unprecedented attacks, including illegal vote buying and interference from hostile forces,” she remarked, highlighting issues of corruption and societal unrest.
Despite Russia’s official denial of involvement, investigations by Moldovan authorities are currently underway regarding alleged attempts to disrupt the electoral process. Reports of cyberattacks on the election commission and unlawful voter incentives have surfaced, raising serious concerns about electoral integrity.
The re-elected president benefited from a slight increase in voter turnout, which reached 54.3 percent compared to the first round of voting. As Moldova navigates its future, Sandu’s leadership will be pivotal in addressing these challenges and guiding the nation toward its European aspirations.