Moldova’s pro-EU President Maia Sandu has won re-election in a decisive second-round victory, becoming the first head of state in the country’s history to secure a second term through direct elections.
With 100% of votes counted by the Central Electoral Commission of Moldova, Sandu, representing the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), secured 55.33% of the vote, while her opponent Alexandr Stoianglo of the Socialist Party received 44.67%, the electoral commission reports.
The election saw a turnout of 54.30%, with approximately 1.7 million voters participating, including more than 328,000 from outside the country. Women comprised 54.79% of voters, while men made up 45.21%, with the most active demographic being voters aged 36 to 65.
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Stoianoglo and Russia
Socialist Alexandr Stoianoglo opposed amending Moldova’s Constitution to commit to EU membership, despite professing support for “European aspirations” in the 2024 EU membership referendum. His campaign pledged a “balanced” foreign policy with the EU, US, Russia, and China, and promised to restore low-cost Russian gas.
EU Reporter, based on a leak from Lubyanka Leaks, claimed that the Kremlin is covertly managing and funding the campaign of Moldovan presidential candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo, with audio recordings allegedly revealing FSB connections and Russian influence in the Moldovan political landscape.
In October, Moldova’s referendum on EU membership narrowly passed with 50.08% support, while Sandu received 42.5% in the presidential race—falling short of a majority and triggering a runoff. Opinion polls ahead of the vote indicated significantly stronger support for EU integration and Sandu.
After the first round, Sandu claimed her government had “clear evidence” of vote-buying on an “unprecedented scale,” alleging that 300,000 votes were influenced by funds from Russia, funneled by convicted pro-Russian fugitive oligarch Ilan Șor. Meanwhile, Moldovan police unveiled a large-scale scheme reportedly orchestrated by Șor, involving $39 million in transfers to sway the elections.
IPN reported that in a campaign ad, Maia Sandu stated that Stoianoglo’s campaign was funded by “foreign” – meaning Russian – sources, not directly by Moldova’s former pro-Russian president Igor Dodon, and fugitive oligarchs Ilan Șor and Veaceslav Platon. She described Stoianoglo as a “Trojan horse”:
“We know who hides in this Trojan horse—Platon, Șor, Dodon—but we don’t know who else may be involved,” Sandu remarked, claiming the money is intended to destabilize Moldova and create internal division.
Both Șor and Platon are wanted by Moldovan law enforcement, with Șor reportedly hiding in Russia and Platon in the UK.
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After the second tour of the elections, Moldova’s Central Electoral Commission reported 225 violations, including ballot photography, campaign activities, suspected voter bribery, and organized transport of voters to polling stations. The commission also noted false bomb threats at polling stations both domestically and abroad, as well as at a bridge between two towns.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on the results, noting that Sandu managed to defeat “Moscow’s favorite” despite what he called “aggressive and massive Russian interference in the presidential election.”
Divided society and historic opportunity
Delfi.ee’s editorial suggests that this victory presents Moldova with a “historic opportunity” to decisively move away from Russian influence. However, the publication warns that Sandu and her allies must understand why they “stood on the edge of a political abyss” in the last month, referring to the narrow margin in the recent EU integration referendum.
Moldovan local publication NewsMaker.md’s analysis reveals a deeply divided society, describing “two Moldovas.” The publication reports that while Sandu secured an overall victory with an 11% margin (approximately 182,000 votes), within Moldova itself, Stoianglo led by 2.4% (32,000 votes), with Sandu’s victory ultimately secured by the diaspora vote.
Despite the Socialists’ and Șor’s reputations marred by corruption and Kremlin ties, Alexandr Stoianoglo managed a domestic victory, which the news outlet attributes to a sharp economic divide between urban and rural populations.
According to NewsMaker.md, one “Moldova” consists of relatively wealthy citizens, primarily in the capital city of Chișinău and abroad, who strongly support European integration. The other “Moldova” comprises residents of emptying villages and district centers, many lacking basic amenities and struggling with minimal pensions or small salaries.
NewsMaker.md says “these people aren’t necessarily against Moldova’s European path,” but they don’t feel its benefits. Often, this “other” Moldova votes pro-Russian. They resent TV channel bans, the demonization of favored politicians, and pressure to favor the EU over Russia.
“For much of the country, immediate quality of life outweighs geopolitical direction,” the analysis reads.
The publication emphasizes that bridging the country’s social and economic divides will be crucial for Sandu’s second term. Sandu promised in her victory speech to be “president of all citizens” after the campaign that has only deepened the polarization between the “two Moldovas,” it concludes.
International reactions
European leaders swiftly lauded Sandu’s victory as it became clear, with 5% of votes left uncounted, that Stoianoglo wouldn’t clinch the win. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Sandu, stating she is glad to continue working with her towards a European future for Moldova and its people.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola recognized the Moldovan President’s leadership in the fight for democracy, the rule of law, and Moldova’s European future. Metsola said Europe will continue to stand with Moldova on this journey.
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French President Emmanuel Macron declared that democracy triumphed over all interference and maneuvers, congratulating Sandu on her re-election as head of Moldova. Macron said France will continue to stand by Moldova on its European path.
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu called Sandu’s victory clear proof of the Moldovan people’s will to defend democracy and secure their path to EU membership. Ciolacu praised Moldovans from across the world for reaffirming their courage and confidence in a European future, fighting against Russia’s attempts to undermine democracy through large-scale vote buying.
The next morning, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Sandu, emphasizing that Ukraine supports the European choice of the Moldovan people and is ready to work together to strengthen the partnership.
Moldova and Ukraine both achieved EU candidate status on 23 June 2022, after EU leaders met in the European Council. Their paths toward EU accession further aligned with the European Council’s 14 December 2023 decision to open accession negotiations for both countries, setting them on parallel courses toward EU membership.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili greeted Sandu, stating that her victory is Georgia’s victory as well. Zourabichvili argued the Moldovan elections are the best evidence of stolen recent elections in Georgia, where the large diaspora was largely barred from voting.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis also welcomed Sandu’s election win, saying the Romanian people stand with Moldova’s citizens in this success that irreversibly anchors the country’s destiny in the European family.
Related:
- Moldova raises concerns over Russian threats aimed at disrupting EU polling stations
- Russia-based oligarch funneled $39 million into vote-buying scheme in Moldova
- Sandu claims 300,000 votes bought in “fraud of unprecedented scale” at first round of Moldova’s presidential election
- Inside Russia’s € 150 million propaganda blitz to undermine Moldova’s EU path
- EU to continue support Moldova amid rising threat of Russian interference
- German FM says Moldova Russia’s next target if Ukraine falls
- Moldovan parliament denounces Russian ‘genocide’ in Ukraine
- ISW: Kremlin uses Gagauzia, Transnistria to derail Moldova’s EU bid
