Moldovan President Maia Sandu claimed victory in the recent presidential election after securing 54.35% of the vote, defeating her pro-Russian rival Alexandr Stoianoglo, who received 45.65%, Reuters reports.
The election was closely contested, with Stoianoglo winning a slight majority of 51.2% compared to Sandu’s 48.8% within Moldova. However, Sandu won decisively among diaspora voters, securing over 80% of the expatriate vote, which contributed to her victory. Allegations of Russian interference, including reports of vote-buying, cyberattacks, and intimidation tactics, aimed at distorting the electoral outcome, were reported by Sandu’s team, though Moscow denied involvement.
Sandu’s victory is viewed as a reaffirmation of her government’s pro-European stance, amid regional tensions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Stoianoglo, while expressing support for EU integration, advocated for maintaining ties with Russia, which Sandu criticized as potentially aligned with Kremlin interests.
