CHISINAU, Moldova: Moldovans head to the polls in a critical presidential runoff, where incumbent President Maia Sandu, who has championed Moldova’s path toward European Union (EU) integration, faces off against Alexandr Stoianoglo, a candidate backed by Moldova’s pro-Russian Socialist Party.
Sandu, who initiated Moldova’s EU accession process, portrays this election as pivotal, suggesting it will decide whether Moldova achieves EU membership by 2030 or faces increased uncertainty and continued economic hardship reports Reuters.
Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general, has indicated he would support Moldova’s EU aspirations but also intends to improve relations with Russia. He argues that Sandu’s alignment with the West has alienated Moldova’s Russian-speaking minority and failed to address key economic issues.
His platform includes pledges to revive Russian gas supplies and foster East-West diplomatic balance, contrasting with Sandu’s pro-European stance, which has led to strained ties with the Kremlin.
Recent allegations of Russian interference have heightened tensions, with reports of vote-buying attempts by fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, who opposes Sandu. The Moldovan government has also warned EU countries of potential attempts to disrupt voting among Moldovan expatriates in the West, an important pro-Sandu demographic.
In the initial vote, Sandu led with 42%, with Stoianoglo at 26%, though neither secured an outright majority, prompting this crucial runoff. The election’s outcome will set the stage for Moldova’s political and diplomatic direction ahead of parliamentary elections next summer, which will shape the country’s future governance and international alignments.
