Official statements from the Moldovan government or significant policy shifts reported in international news

Pro-EU President Maia Sandu Faces Pro-Russia Stoianoglo in Moldova's Runoff Amid Interference Fears

Nov 3, 2024, 07:12 AM

Moldova is holding a decisive presidential runoff election on Sunday, with pro-European incumbent President Maia Sandu facing Russia-friendly challenger Alexander Stoianoglo, the former prosecutor general and candidate from the pro-Russian Socialist Party. The election is pivotal for Moldova's future direction amid concerns over Russian interference, which Russia denies. Moldovan officials have warned of potential disruptive activities orchestrated by Russia, including possible bomb threats targeting polling stations across several Western countries where Moldovans abroad are voting, such as Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Canada, Romania, the US, and the UK. Citizens received anonymous threats before the second round, and Prime Minister Dorin Recean called it an attempt to create panic and fear ahead of the vote. Maia Sandu urged voters to turn out, stating that "thieves want to buy the vote and the country." Poll officials accused of corruption in the first round have been removed ahead of the runoff. There are over 2,400 observers monitoring the election, with more than 2.7 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots at over 2,200 polling stations, including 38 abroad, which opened at 7:00 local time. In the first round, Sandu secured 42.45% of the vote, while Stoianoglo received 25.98%. The outcome of the election could determine whether Moldova continues on its pro-European path or shifts toward closer ties with Moscow.