Moldova Election: President Sandu Declares Victory

According to RIA Novosti on November 4, the current President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, declared victory in the second round of presidential elections.

Moldova's incumbent president, Maia Sandu, who is backed by the pro-Western Solidarity and Action party, defeated the opposition Socialist Party candidate, Alexander Stoianoglo, in the second round of voting. Moldova's Central Election Commission reported after processing 95% of the protocols from polling stations.

Previously, the opposition candidate was leading by a small margin. Currently, Ms. Sandu has 51.68% of the vote, former Prosecutor General Stoianoglo has 48.32%.

Moldovan President Sandu has pursued a policy of European integration, sanctions against Russia and tightening control of the media to combat disinformation. Sandu has submitted Moldova’s application to join the EU in 2022. EU accession talks began last June.

In contrast, during his election campaign, former Prosecutor General Stoyanoglo focused on maintaining pragmatic relations with Moscow, despite his support for European integration. He said Russia was important for Moldova’s economy and considered it an important partner with which to maintain stable cooperation to avoid the negative consequences of sanctions and crises.

In the first round held on October 20, incumbent President Sandu won 42.49% of the votes, while former Prosecutor General Stoianoglo got 25.95%.

The outcome of the vote is expected to shape Moldova's parliamentary elections next summer, when Ms Sandu's ruling party is expected to fight to retain its majority and decide the composition of the future government.