Chișinău, November 4, 2024 – The Europe Today: In a closely watched presidential runoff, Moldova’s pro-European Union incumbent Maia Sandu claimed victory on Sunday, securing 54.7 percent of the vote according to near-complete results, with nearly 99 percent of votes counted. Her opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general backed by the pro-Russian Party of Socialists, trailed with 45.3 percent, as reported by the Central Electoral Commission (CEC).
The result marks a significant win for Moldova’s pro-Western government, which supported Sandu’s push for closer EU ties, viewing it as a critical step toward solidifying the nation’s alignment with Europe. The victory is expected to bolster Moldova’s ongoing path toward integration with Western institutions, including the European Union.
Addressing the nation after her win, Sandu expressed gratitude to the people of Moldova. “Moldova, you are victorious! Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of being written in history books. Today, you have saved Moldova! In our choice for a dignified future, no one lost,” she declared in her victory speech shortly after midnight.
However, Sandu also underscored challenges faced during the electoral process, alleging an “unprecedented attack” on Moldova’s democracy. She pointed to claims of dirty money, vote-buying, and foreign electoral interference, which she said were orchestrated by “hostile forces from outside the country” along with criminal networks.
Sandu expressed pride in the resilience of the Moldovan electorate, stating, “You have shown that nothing can stand in the way of the people’s power when they choose to speak through their vote.”
The election result is seen as a crucial affirmation of Moldova’s pro-Western trajectory, with Sandu’s administration likely to prioritize reforms aimed at EU integration and strengthening the rule of law.
