Pro-EU Sandu wins tense Moldova election amid Russian interference claims.
Maia Sandu has secured a second term as Moldova’s President after a tight run-off vote described as a choice between Europe and Russia.
Preliminary results show Sandu defeated pro-Russian challenger Alexandr Stoianoglo with 55% votes, amid allegations of “massive interference” from Moscow.
Sandu had campaigned on maintaining Moldova’s pro-Western alignment while Stoianoglo backed closer ties with Russia.
The EU Commission and Borrell also objected to “unprecedented” Russian meddling. However, Stoianoglo polled better in rural areas and Moldova itself. Turnout was high, especially among the 1.2 million expat voters who overwhelmingly backed Sandu.
Sandu had warned of “thieves” seeking to influence voters, with authorities accusing a fugitive oligarch of spending $39 million in support of Stoianoglo.
Moldova, flanked by Ukraine and Romania, has faced pressures as a former Soviet republic with a Russian military base and arms depot in Transnistria.
Sandu’s victory restores her pledge for EU integration but corruption and justice reforms remain key challenges in one of Europe’s poorest nations.
