Official results announced by Moldova's Central Electoral Commission

Amid Russian Interference, Moldova Votes in Presidential Runoff Between Sandu and Stoianoglo

Nov 3, 2024, 09:31 AM

Voters in Moldova headed to the polls on Sunday for a decisive presidential runoff between pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu and pro-Russian challenger Alexandr Stoianoglo. The election, seen as pivotal for the country's European future, has been overshadowed by allegations of Russian interference. Moldovan authorities have reported organized transportation of voters from Russia to polling stations abroad, including in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and on the left bank of the Dniester. The Central Electoral Commission reported that 2.7 million voters are registered, with 38 polling stations abroad opening from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. local time. By 15:30 EET, voter turnout stood at 41.0%. Over 2,400 observers are monitoring the election. Security has been heightened to prevent vote-buying schemes and disruptions, following warnings from Moldova's Secret Service about potential Russian disruptive activities, including fake bomb threats targeting polling stations. Bomb threats caused disruptions at polling stations in the UK and Germany. Poll officials accused of corruption during the first round have been removed ahead of the runoff. Sandu, who secured 42.45% of the vote in the first round against Stoianoglo's 25.98%, called for voter turnout, stating 'Thieves want to buy the vote and the country.'