The Ukrainian leader emphasized that the Moldovans made a clear choice – they chose the path “toward economic growth and social stability.”
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Maya Sanda on her victory in the second round of presidential elections in Moldova.
“Congratulations to Maia Sandu on her victory in the presidential elections in Moldova. Ukraine supports the European choice of the Moldovan people and is ready to work together to strengthen our partnership,” Zelenskyy wrote on the social network Kh.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that the Moldovans made a clear choice – they chose the path “toward economic growth and social stability.” According to him, only real security and a peaceful, united Europe can guarantee every person and every family confidence in the future.
In the 2024 presidential elections in Moldova, the defeated her main competitor Oleksandr Stoianoglo. The first round, which took place on October 20, did not determine a clear winner, as no candidate received more than 50% of the vote. In the second round, which took place on November 3, Sandu received about 55% of the vote, which secured her a second term as president.
These elections were accompanied by a difficult political situation due to fears of external interference. The Moldovan authorities accused Russia of trying to influence the outcome of the elections and the referendum on joining the EU, which took place simultaneously with the elections. Authorities alleged that Russia tried to influence voters through financial support and disinformation. To reduce the impact, the number of polling stations in Russia was limited, and the EU helped ensure the cyber security of the process.
At first Stojanoglo was the leader, but then the votes of Moldovans abroad were counted, thanks to which Sandu came out on top.
The incumbent president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, announced her victory in the second round of the presidential election.
“Moldova, today you won. At the same time, we demonstrated the strength of our unity, democracy and commitment to a dignified future,” Sandu wrote on the social network Kh.
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According to the Central Committee of the Republic, after processing 99.73% of the protocols, Sandu received 55.36% of the votes, while her opponent, candidate from the Socialist Party (PSRM) and former Prosecutor General Alexander Stoyanoglo, received 44.64%.
At the same time, according to the results of counting 90% of the protocols, Stoyanoglo led with 50.81%, while Sandu gained 49.19%. However, the votes of Moldovans living abroad were then counted, thanks to which Sandu came out on top.
It is noted that without taking into account the data of foreign precincts, Stoyanoglo won 51.19%, and Sandu – 48.81%.
Abroad, 82% of voters voted for the incumbent president, and 17% for her opponent.
In total, almost 1.7 million people took part in the presidential elections of Moldova, 304,713 of whom live outside the country.
The turnout was 54.30%.
At the briefing after the announcement of the preliminary election results, Sandu thanked the Moldovan diaspora abroad.
“I heard all voices, including criticism. Moldova won today thanks to all of you. Whoever you voted for, thank you. Regardless of the voting option, we all want peace and well-being,” Sandu said.
In turn, Stoyanoglo also thanked the voters. “Your mass participation is a proof that Moldova is not just a dot on the map, and we are not passive spectators, but a responsible people who are aware of their future,” Stoianoglo said.
Sandu has been the head of Moldova since 2020, during which time the country applied for EU membership and acquired candidate status.
At the same time, Stoyanoglo also supported integration with the EU, but at the same time called for developing ties with Russia. He promised to declared his readiness to meet with Vladimir Putin if it was necessary for the citizens of the country.
In the first round of elections, which took place on October 20, Sandu failed to win an absolute majority, gaining 42% of the vote. Stoyanoglo received 26% of the vote.
Along with a referendum on Moldova’s accession to the EU was also held. According to his results, 50.46% of voters spoke in favor of European integration, while 49.54% spoke against it. Then the voting results were also decided by the results from foreign polling stations.
