Image: Sursa: Inquam Photos

By Smartencyclopedia with Agencies

Chisinau, Moldova – In a crucial election that could determine Moldova’s future direction, pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu has taken an early lead after 37% of the votes have been counted. Sandu, the sitting president known for her strong pro-Western stance, is ahead with 35.15% of the vote, outpacing her closest competitor, Alexandr Stoianoglo, a pro-Kremlin candidate, who has secured 29.7%. Another prominent candidate, Renato Usatîi, is currently polling at 14.54%.

The presidential election, which coincides with a pivotal referendum on Moldova’s potential accession to the European Union, has seen an unprecedented voter turnout. More than 1.55 million people, representing 51.5% of the electorate, cast their votes, marking a record participation. In comparison, the 2020 election had a turnout of 48.54% in the first round. This heightened level of civic engagement reflects the critical stakes of the election, as Moldova weighs whether to continue on its path toward deeper ties with the European Union or return to a more Moscow-oriented foreign policy.

Key Election Dynamics

Sandu, who is running for a second term, has campaigned on the promise of continuing Moldova’s alignment with Western values and institutions, particularly focusing on European Union integration. If successful, she could solidify Moldova’s status as an EU candidate country and steer the nation further from Russian influence.

On the other hand, Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general with close ties to Moscow, has appealed to Moldovan voters who are skeptical of the West and prefer maintaining strong relations with Russia. His campaign has focused on the economic and security benefits of a closer alliance with Moscow, leveraging traditional ties between the two nations.

Renato Usatîi, who trails behind both leading candidates, has positioned himself as an alternative for voters frustrated with both pro-European and pro-Russian politics. Despite his lower polling numbers, Usatîi’s supporters could play a pivotal role in a potential second-round runoff.

Referendum on EU Accession

In addition to the presidential election, Moldovans are voting in a referendum on whether to enshrine European Union membership in the country’s constitution. Early data suggests that a clear majority of more than 50% of Moldovans support Moldova’s EU membership aspirations. The referendum requires at least one-third of eligible voters to cast ballots for the results to be valid, a threshold that had already been met by the time polling stations closed.

Polls conducted by the WatchDog think tank, based in Chisinau, indicate robust support for the EU path, but the referendum faces opposition from pro-Russian factions within the country who argue that Moldova’s neutrality should be preserved. If approved, the constitutional amendment could cement Moldova’s commitment to EU integration, making it harder for future governments to reverse course.

Russian Interference Allegations

The election has unfolded against a backdrop of rising tensions between Moldova and Russia. Chisinau has repeatedly accused the Kremlin of conducting a “hybrid war” campaign designed to destabilize Moldova’s political system and derail its pro-European trajectory. These accusations include claims that Moscow has been backing opposition groups, spreading disinformation, and engaging in large-scale vote-buying schemes to manipulate the outcome of the election and referendum.

“Moscow is trying to pull Moldova back into its sphere of influence by any means necessary,” said a senior Moldovan official who requested anonymity. Russian meddling, according to local investigators, has allegedly involved funneling funds to pro-Kremlin candidates like Stoianoglo and using media outlets to broadcast disinformation intended to sway the electorate.

In response to these concerns, international observers from the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have been deployed to monitor the election for irregularities and ensure a fair voting process.

Potential Runoff

If Sandu does not achieve an outright majority in the first round, a second round will be held on November 3. Current polling indicates that such a runoff would likely be a contest between Sandu and Stoianoglo, setting the stage for a showdown between Moldova’s pro-European and pro-Russian camps.

Despite the contentious nature of the campaign, the large voter turnout is seen as a positive sign of democratic engagement. Sandu has expressed confidence in her ability to secure a second term, stating that “the Moldovan people want a future where our country is free, prosperous, and part of the European family.” However, with Russian interference accusations looming large, the path to victory may not be easy.

As the final votes are tallied, Moldova remains at a crossroads, with its pro-Western future and ties to Russia hanging in the balance.