Moldova held its second round of presidential elections on Sunday as concerns over Russian interference loomed large.
Incumbent Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Sunday claimed victory in an election runoff.
The result of the vote could play a crucial role in the country’s European future and was marked by fears of meddling from Russia.
Pro-European Union incumbent Sandu faced off with former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo, who was backed by the pro-Russian Socialist Party, in a tight second-round.PoliticsRepublic of Moldova
Moldova held its second round of presidential elections on Sunday as concerns over Russian interference loomed large.
Incumbent Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Sunday claimed victory in an election runoff.
The result of the vote could play a crucial role in the country’s European future and was marked by fears of meddling from Russia.
Pro-European Union incumbent Sandu faced off with former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo, who was backed by the pro-Russian Socialist Party, in a tight second-round.
With nearly 99% of the votes counted in the second round of the presidential election, Sandu had 54.7% of the vote, according to Moldova’s electoral authority.
Stoianoglo received 45.3% of the vote.
When polls closed at 9 p.m. local time (1900 MGT), turnout stood at around 54% of eligible voters.
Moldovan citizens living outsid ethe country voted heavily in favor of Sandu in the runoff.
“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,” Sandu said after claiming victory.
She alleged that the election had faced an “unprecedented attack” by “hostile forces frome outside the country.”
