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Maia Sandu Leads Moldova's Presidential Runoff, Defying Russian Interference with Diaspora Support

Nov 3, 2024, 05:30 PM

Moldova held its presidential runoff election on November 3, 2024, with incumbent President Maia Sandu facing pro-Russian candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo. The election was marred by reports of massive Russian interference, including organized transportation of voters from Russia and other countries, bomb threats targeting polling stations in the diaspora, and cyberattacks on the Central Electoral Commission's websites. Despite early results showing Stoianoglo in the lead, Sandu pulled ahead as votes from the diaspora—who constitute a significant portion of Moldova's electorate—were counted, with over 80% supporting her. The total voter turnout exceeded 1.5 million. Sandu's expected victory bolsters her ambition to steer Moldova toward European Union membership by the end of the decade. Supporters celebrated at her headquarters, chanting "Maia Sandu for president!"