After winning a referendum on 20 October that aimed to include EU accession in Moldova’s constitution, incumbent President Maia Sandu secured a second term in the presidential runoff on 3 November. Her opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, backed by the pro-Russian Party of Socialists and the Kremlin, failed to gain a majority in the divided country. Despite a significant disinformation campaign from Russia and efforts to bribe voters, most Moldovan citizens aligned with Brussels instead of Moscow.
“We commend the Moldovan authorities for the successful conduct of the election despite unprecedented interference by Russia, including vote-buying schemes and disinformation. These hybrid attempts have sought to undermine the country’s democratic institutions and its EU path,” says a Joint Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell and the European Commission.
As a result, Moldova will continue its path towards the EU. The European Union heavily invested in infrastructure and political and economic reforms. Moldova’s presidential elections were critical for the entire region as the country offers remarkable aid to Ukrainian refugees, it is a political and military target of Moscow, and foreign interference was at high levels.
“Moldova, you are victorious! Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy worthy of being written in history books. Today, you have saved Moldova!” Sandu said after claiming victory after midnight.
President Sandu emphasised her country’s vote had faced an “unprecedented attack”, including dirty money, vote-buying, and electoral interference “by hostile forces from outside the country” and criminal groups.
“You have shown that nothing can stand in the way of the people’s power when they choose to speak through their vote,” she added.
Stoianoglo had promised to search for a “balance” between the EU and Russia if he were elected President, and he announced his intention to visit Moscow.
The pro-European victory in Moldova was a victory of the considerable diaspora; more than 325,000 voted, largely favouring Sandu.
The EU, several leaders of member states, and the USA expressed their satisfaction and reiterated their support for Moldova.
“The recent referendum has reaffirmed the Moldovan people’s commitment to the European path and to further strengthening our close ties. The EU will continue to work with the President and the Moldovan authorities to promote further reforms and enhance the country’s stability and prosperity on its EU path, including through the recently announced Growth Plan for Moldova,” highlights the Joint Statement by Josep Borrell and the Commission.
“The European Union supports Moldova’s security and resilience, including through the European Peace Facility and the European Union Partnership Mission. Moldova was the first country to conclude a Security and Defence Partnership with the EU,” stated Borrell and the Commission.
European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Sandu on her victory.
“Congratulations, dear @sandumaiamd, on your victory tonight. It takes a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges you’ve faced in this election. I’m glad to continue working with you towards a European future for Moldova and its people,” the Commission’s President posted on X.
France is particularly sensitive to Moldova’s future as the country belongs to the vast “francophone” family.
French President Emmanuel Macron was among the first leaders to congratulate Sandu. “I would like to congratulate Maya Sandu on her re-election as President of Moldova. Democracy has triumphed over all interference and manoeuvres. France will continue to stand by Moldova on its European path,” he posted on X.
“Congratulations to Maia Sandu on her re-election as President of Moldova. This victory confirms the aspirations of a vast majority of Moldovans to live in a sovereign, democratic country resolutely turned towards a European future,” also French Prime Minister Michel Barnier posted.
For German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, the election results were a clear decision that determined the country’s future.
“The people of Moldova have decided: the majority of them are determined to continue on the path to the EU. I wholeheartedly congratulate President @sandumaiamd on her re-election,” posted on X Minister Baerbock.
“Buying votes, manipulation in advance and bomb threats against Moldovan polling stations – even in Germany – are aimed at the heart of European democracy. Putin will stop at nothing. But that cannot deter Moldova from its chosen course. The people have once again shown that they are determined to oppose the hybrid stranglehold. That deserves our respect. We stand by your side,” she added.
The Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, Karl Nehammer, whose country recently experienced foreign interference and disinformation during the general elections, noted the challenging circumstances during the election.
“Cordial congratulations to President @sandumaiamd on her re-election under these very difficult circumstances. We will continue to support Moldova on its European path, Chancellor Nehammer posted on X.
Vote-buying and Russian interference
However, despite the clear victory of pro-EU forces, the country remains deeply divided. Russia’s role was central in deepening this situation.
The Transdnistria region, a Moldovan territory, is occupied by Russian forces and ruled by a “puppet” regime.
The Autonomous Region of Gagauzia is also totally devoted to Moscow, where only 5% voted in favour of the EU and flirts with secession, as the former governor said in many interviews.
Ilan Sor, a Russian oligarch, is accused of funnelling large sums of money into vote-buying schemes before recent elections and a referendum. Numerous instances of voter intimidation, both in Moldova and abroad, highlight the anti-democratic and violent tactics employed by pro-Russian political elements. Additionally, the Moldovan police report that there is “reasonable evidence” of organised voter transportation—an illegal act under the country’s electoral code. They are investigating evidence related to air transport activities from Russia to Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.
Furthermore, Moldova’s foreign ministry announced that polling stations in Frankfurt, Germany, and Liverpool and Northampton in the UK received false bomb threats intended solely to disrupt the voting process. Stanislav Secrieru, the President’s national security adviser, revealed that the national voter record systems faced coordinated cyberattacks to disrupt the connections between domestic polling stations and those abroad.
Moldova’s Prime Minister, Dorin Recean, also noted that people across the country received “anonymous death threats via phone calls” intended to intimidate voters.
However, the end of the presidential elections will not end the country’s division. Polarisation will continue as the country faces legislative elections before Summer 2025. These elections are also crucial as a majority hostile to the President can paralyse political life, and Russia is expected to increase cyber and hybrid attacks against the small EU candidate state.
