Early on, challenger and pro-Russian candidate Aleksandr Stoianoglo looked headed for victory with 80 percent of the vote counted.
– The pro-Russian forces that tried to defeat her with threats, lies and bribes have lost this time, says Christofer Wendick, SVT’s European correspondent.
When 92 percent were counted, it was instead incumbent President Maia Sandu who stood as the leading candidate.
– The margins are indeed minimal, but EU-friendly incumbent President Maia Sandu has them on her side this evening and night when the votes in the presidential election are counted. As she had in the referendum on the EU two weeks ago, says Christofer Wendick.
Just before midnight Swedish time, Maia Sandu was declared the winner of the election and may continue in the role of the country’s president.
“Moldova, you are winners!” she said after the win, reports Ziarul de Garda.
Pro-EU vs. pro-Russian
Maia Sandu is seen as the more EU-friendly candidate in the election. Aleksandr Stoianoglo is instead seen as a more pro-Russian alternative.
Two weeks ago, Moldovans voted by a narrow majority for membership in the EU. Parallel to the referendum, a presidential election was held, where pro-European Maia Sandu received the most support with 42 percent.
As Sandu did not reach the 50 percent required, there was a second round of elections.
Foreign leaders congratulated
Marcel Ciolacu, Prime Minister of Romania, and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk were the first leaders to congratulate Maia Sandu on the win.
“Let’s hope that this trend will continue in the coming days and months in other countries as well,” Tusk wrote, according to Ziarul de Garda.