Moldovan President Maia Sandu has been re-elected, securing a second term with 55.03% of the vote in a runoff election against Alexandr Stoianoglo, a candidate with Russian sympathies. Sandu, speaking from her Action and Solidarity Party’s headquarters in Chișinău, pledged to govern as a leader for all Moldovans, while also condemning what she called “unprecedented interference” from foreign actors attempting to influence the vote.
Election officials report a high voter turnout, with over 1.68 million voters participating, including a record 325,000 Moldovans casting ballots from abroad, who largely favored Sandu. The October 20 first round left Sandu with 42% of the vote, prompting a runoff. Moldova’s presidency holds authority over key areas like foreign policy and national security, making this election particularly significant.
Moldovan authorities reported extensive interference on election day, including organized transportation of voters, cyberattacks, and bomb threats at polling stations abroad. Security advisor Stanislav Secrieru cited “massive interference” by Russia, noting efforts to disrupt voter data links. Moldovan officials continue investigating a vote-buying scheme allegedly orchestrated by exiled oligarch Ilan Shor. Authorities claim Shor directed $39 million through a Russian bank to influence the vote.
Moldova’s pro-Western government, in power since 2021, sees EU membership as a top priority, an ambition endorsed by the recent national referendum. Next year’s parliamentary elections could be a focal point for potential foreign interference as Moldova works toward EU integration.
