The European Union has expressed its enthusiastic support for the recent re-election of Maia Sandu, Moldova’s pro-European President, amid a high-stakes vote that has underscored the stark divisions in this nation, which shares a border with the conflict-ridden Ukraine.
Thanks to a robust backing from the country’s significant diaspora, Ms. Sandu secured 55.41% of the votes, as indicated by near-final results from the electoral commission. Meanwhile, her opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, who enjoys the support of the pro-Russian Socialists, garnered 44.59%.
The pivotal election held yesterday was not without its controversies, clouded by accusations of Russian interference in the political process.
“Moldovans have once again displayed their resolve to forge a European path, despite those hybrid threats aimed at undermining our democratic values,” tweeted EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also extended her congratulations to Ms. Sandu, expressing optimism about Moldova’s European trajectory.
“Congrats, dear @sandumaiamd, on your victory tonight. It truly takes immense resilience to navigate the challenges faced in this election. I look forward to our continued cooperation towards a brighter European future for Moldova and its citizens,” she posted on Twitter, accompanied by a warm photo of the two. pic.twitter.com/YcCurwhpCq
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised Ms. Sandu’s leadership during turbulent times, stating she had effectively steered Moldova towards a pro-European direction. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky chimed in, saying that only genuine security and a united Europe can give families the hope and stability they seek.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that democracy had triumphed over all forms of interference and scheming. This concern echoes previous elections in Georgia and other countries in the region, where Russia has been accused of attempting to manipulate electoral outcomes.
In the unofficial count, Maia Sandu led with 54.94% against Stoianoglo’s 45.06%.
Although Russia has categorically denied these allegations, Moldovan authorities reported instances of “attacks, provocations, and attempts to sow discord” during the election.
The police launched an investigation into claims that Russia employed “organized transportation” to facilitate voting for its citizens in Moldova through remote voting centers located in Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. There were also reports of cyberattacks and false bomb threats aimed at disrupting the voting process abroad.
The voter turnout this time outpaced the earlier round held on October 20, when Ms. Sandu took the lead with 42.5% of the votes, while Mr. Stoianoglo received 26%.
Ms. Sandu’s victory can be attributed largely to the support of Moldovans living overseas, especially those in EU nations. Nevertheless, she faced challenges domestically and did not prevail in the in-country voting results.
Moldova is a nation steeped in polarization, where urban centers and pro-European elements clash with rural areas and the pro-Russian sentiments prevalent in the separatist regions of Transnistria and Gagauzia. “This dynamic ultimately swung the election results,” commented political analyst Florent Parmentier from Sciences Po in Paris, pointing to Ms. Sandu’s reliance on external support.
In her victory speech, delivered predominantly in Romanian but sprinkled with remarks in Russian, Ms. Sandu emphasized her commitment to being a “president for all.”
“I have heard your voice – both from my supporters and from those who cast their ballots differently. No matter your vote, we share the same desire for peace, harmony, and a better future,” she declared passionately. “My foremost goal in the years ahead is to make that a reality.”
In a statement filled with pride, Ms. Sandu proclaimed, “Today, dear Moldovans, your actions have taught a lesson in democracy that deserves a place in history books. Freedom, truth, and justice have triumphed.”
While casting his vote, Alexandr Stoianoglo, Ms. Sandu’s rival, stated he had “no ties with the Kremlin.” Despite his prior role as prosecutor general, which he lost at her hands last year, he urged his supporters to remain calm and reserved their judgments, regardless of initial results.
This contested electoral outcome comes on the heels of Moldova’s application to join the EU, a process accelerated by Russia’s full-scale military aggression against Ukraine, which began in 2022. Formal negotiations for accession kicked off in June.
In the October referendum, 50.35% of participants favored EU integration, with Ms. Sandu decrying “foreign interference” that contributed to the tightly contested result in a country with a population of 2.6 million.
Authorities unearthed a suspected vote-buying operation believed to have potentially compromised about 25% of the ballots. Stoianoglo, despite also advocating for EU membership, abstained from the referendum process.
As Moldova strives to maintain its pro-EU stance, it faces the daunting reality of needing substantial support to combat the “hybrid warfare orchestrated by Russia,” argues Andrei Curararu of WatchDog, a Chisinau-based think tank. “Success will elude them without help,” he stressed, referencing the over $100 million estimated to have been funneled into destabilizing activities.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
