Moldova: Pres. Sandu Wins Second Term
Moldova: PresidentPres. Maia Sandu Wins Second Term
The Facts
Moldova's pro-EU incumbent Pres. Maia Sandu claimed victory at Sunday's presidential election, defeating Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general backed by the traditionally pro-Russian Socialist Party.Moldova's pro-EU incumbent Pres. Maia Sandu claimed victory in Sunday's presidential election, defeating Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general backed by the traditionally pro-Russian Socialist Party.
With nearly all of the ballots counted in the runoff election, Sandu secured 55% of the vote, while Stoianoglo received 45%, according to the Central Electoral Commission.With nearly all ballots counted in the runoff election, Sandu secured 55% of the vote, while Stoianoglo received 45%, according to the Central Electoral Commission.
The Spin
Sandu'sThis win marks a pivotal moment in athe decades-long struggle between Russia and the EU over Moldova's geopolitical alignment. SheDespite willmassive serveelection asinterference presidentby forRussia, all Moldovans, irrespectivehad of their votingvoices choice,heard who, despite Moscow's massive interference in the vote through vote-buying and intimidation,once thwartedagain Russia'sproved attempt to undermine the country's democratic institutions and showed that nothing can stand in the way of the people's power when they speak through their vote.
Claims ofabout StoianogloRussian being pro-Kremlin and Russia's election interference inwere Moldova are highly exaggerated. Sunday'sAll resultsthis pointelection toproves Moldovais that there's deep polarisation.polarization Whilein Moldova between the country's urban areasand favorrural EUvoters. membership,Sandu ruralwill areasignore oppose joining the bloc.desire Instead of lookingmany outvoters forwho thewant interestsher ofto ordinaryrenew Moldovans and resetting relations with Moscow, sheso usedgeopolitical divisivetensions politicswill andcontinue embraced the West to remain in powerrise. Sandu's victory wouldn't ease geopolitical tensions but amplify it.
