The Moldovan presidential election runoff is set to take place on Sunday, with incumbent Maia Sandu facing off against challenger Aleksandr Stoianoglo. Sandu, who is pro-European and has pushed for greater integration with the EU, will be up against Stoianoglo, a former chief prosecutor who favors closer ties with Russia. The first round of the election saw Sandu top the poll with 42% of the votes, while Stoianoglo gained 26%. While Sandu has the backing of the centre-right and pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), Stoianoglo is supported by the pro-Kremlin Socialist Party (PRSM).
The election runoff comes amidst allegations of Russian interference, including vote-buying, leading to concerns from the European Commission and the White House. Sandu has been criticized for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic fallout in Moldova following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite these challenges, Sandu is determined to win over voters across the political spectrum, while Stoianoglo is walking a fine line between pro-European sentiments and maintaining close ties with Moscow.
As the campaign enters its final days, both candidates are making their final appeals to the electorate. Sandu has accused Russia of promoting Stoianoglo over other candidates aligned with Moscow, highlighting the need for unity. Stoianoglo, on the other hand, has shifted his focus towards closer ties with Russia, criticizing the EU’s aggressive policies and questioning foreign funding for NGOs. The candidates have also engaged in a heated TV debate, with Sandu accusing Stoianoglo of corruption over his handling of a high-profile case in 2020.
The fairness of Sunday’s vote is being closely monitored by EU leaders, who are pushing for greater transparency in the electoral process. Sandu has made a direct appeal to the country’s local mayors, urging them to mobilize their communities to ensure a fair election. The runoff is seen as a crucial moment for Moldova’s future, with implications for its potential accession to the EU. While both candidates offer different visions for the country’s direction, the outcome of the election will be closely watched by the international community.
