The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Moldova approved the results of the second round of the presidential elections and the victory of the incumbent President Maia Sandu.
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“The candidate Maia Sandu, nominated by the political party Party of Action and Solidarity, who received the largest number of votes in the second round – 930,139 votes, is declared elected,” CEC Chairperson Angelica Karaman read out the draft resolution, which was adopted unanimously.
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It notes that the resolution comes into force from today and is sent for approval to the Constitutional Court. It can be appealed to the Court of Appeal of Chisinau within three days.
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According to the CEC, in the second round Sandu received 55.33% of the votes, beating opposition candidate Alexander Stoianoglo. However, in Moldova itself Stoianoglo received 51%. The advantage of his rival was achieved due to the vote of over 300 thousand Moldovan labor migrants, for whom the authorities opened more than 200 polling stations in EU countries. The opposition Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova, which nominated Stoianoglo, called Sandu an illegitimate president who is recognized only by her “sponsors and curators from abroad.”
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The CEC received many complaints about violations related to the abuse of administrative resources and the organized transportation of voters, but they were rejected. Stoyanoglo had previously admitted defeat.
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The elections took place against the backdrop of an economic crisis caused by rising energy prices, as well as opposition protests, to which the authorities responded with repressive measures. Thus, 14 television channels that provided a platform for the opposition were accused of threatening national security and closed. Criminal cases were opened against its leaders. During the election campaign, approximately 1 thousand people were searched.
