The pro-Western incumbent, Maia Sandu, claimed victory in Sunday’s closely contested presidential runoff, securing 55.33% of the vote against her rival, Alexandr Stoianoglo, backed by the traditionally pro-Russian Socialist Party, who garnered 44.67%.
Marred by allegations of heavy Russian meddling, the runoff was viewed as a pivotal moment determining whether Chișinău would align more closely with Brussels or Moscow.
On Monday, the Polish Foreign Ministry wrote on X: “Congratulations to Moldova on successfully conducting the presidential elections!
“The Moldovan authorities showed it’s possible, despite unprecedented interference in the electoral process.”
It added: “We must stand together against Russian threats to democracy – Moldova can count on Poland.”
Earlier,
Western leaders including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk rushed to congratulate Sandu on her re-election.
Record turnout
The second round saw record turnout both at home and abroad, where a large Moldovan diaspora voted.
The Central Election Commission reported that turnout exceeded 1.68 million people, or 54% of eligible voters.
In the first round, held on October 20, Sandu obtained 42% of the vote, falling short of an outright majority.
The first round was accompanied by a referendum on whether Moldova should include integration with the EU in its constitution, in which the ‘Yes’ camp won with a razor-thin majority of 50.35%.
