Moldovans turned out in record numbers on Sunday to vote in two elections that could determine whether the European Union candidate country remains on its pro-Western path or swivels toward Moscow.
With 37% of the votes counted, pro-European candidate Maia Sandu was ahead with 35.15% of the vote above pro-Kremlin candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo who had 29.7%. Another candidate, Renato Usatîi was polling 14.54%.
More than 1.55 million people voted, or 51.5 percent of the electorate, a record turnout. In 2020, 48.54% of registered voters cast a ballot in the first round.
The presidential election and a referendum about European Union accession come amid allegations that Russia has tried to undermine the electoral process and pay off voters to return the ex-Soviet republic to Moscow’s orbit.
The incumbent, Sandu, was the favorite to secure a second term in office in a presidential race of eleven. She needs to win an outright majority to win in the first round. Voters will also choose “yes” or “no” in a referendum on whether to enshrine in the country’s constitution membership of the 27-nation EU.
Polls by WatchDog, a Chisinau-based think tank, showed a clear majority of more than 50% support the EU path. The referendum needs a one-third turnout to be valid which it already reached before polls closed.
If Sandu fails to win an outright majority Sunday, a runoff will be held on Nov. 3, which would likely pit her against Alexandr Stoianoglo, a Russia-friendly former prosecutor general who is polling at around 10%.
Chisinau says Moscow has intensified an alleged “hybrid war” campaign to destabilize the country and derail its EU path.
Officials and other investigations say the Kremlin has funded pro-Moscow opposition groups, spreading disinformation, meddling in elections and backing a major vote-buying scheme.
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