Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu has won a second term in office in a pivotal presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly opponent, in a race that was overshadowed by claims of Russian interference, voter fraud and intimidation.
With nearly 98% of votes counted in the second round of the presidential race held on Sunday, Ms Sandu had obtained 54% of the total votes, according to the Central Electoral Commission, or CEC, compared with 46% for Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general who was backed by the pro-Russia Party of Socialists.
When polls closed locally at 9pm (1900 GMT), turnout stood at more than 1.68 million people – about 54% of eligible voters, according to CEC.
The result will be a relief for the pro-Western government in the European Union candidate country, which strongly backed Ms Sandu’s candidacy, and her push for closer Western ties on Moldova’s path toward the EU.
“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,” Ms Sandu said.