Moldovans vote in high-stakes presidential runoff amid concerns over fraud, intimidation tactics threatening country’s pro-EU future.
Moldovans are heading to the polls for a crucial presidential runoff election, pitting pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu against a Russia-friendly opponent.
The outcome of this vote will have significant implications for the small European country’s geopolitical future.
In the first round held last month, Sandu fell short of winning an outright majority, garnering 42% of the vote.
Her challenger, Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general, managed to garner a surprising 26% support.
As Moldovans cast their ballots on Sunday, the election is taking place against a backdrop of ongoing allegations of voter fraud and intimidation tactics.
Prosecutors have uncovered a massive vote-buying scheme, where over $39 million was distributed to more than 130,000 voters through a sanctioned Russian bank.
The pre-election environment has been marred by reports of death threats and attempts to create “panic and fear” among voters, according to Moldova’s Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
These efforts are seen as a coordinated attempt to undermine the democratic process and sway the outcome in favor of the Russia-friendly candidate.
Despite these challenges, Moldova’s diaspora, which played a crucial role in a recent referendum solidifying the country’s EU accession path, is expected to be a crucial factor in the runoff.
The presidential office wields significant power over foreign policy and national security, making this election a decisive moment for Moldova’s future orientation.
As the polls close, the international community will be watching closely to ensure the integrity of the democratic process.
Analysts warn that the 2025 parliamentary elections could become another target for Moscow’s efforts to destabilize Moldova and derail its pro-Western trajectory.
The stakes are high, and Moldovans must navigate a complex political landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions and the persistent threat of election interference.
The outcome of this runoff will have lasting implications for the country’s path forward, whether toward deeper integration with the West or a return to Russia’s sphere of influence.