Maia Sandu, the pro-EU incumbent, has won the Moldovan presidential election, amid claims of Russian interference.
In the first round held last month, Sandu won 42% of the vote, while Alexandr Stoianoglo won 26%. Only one other candidate won more than 10% of the vote. This saw Sandu and Stoianoglo faced off in the second round.
Following her victory Sandu was quoted as saying: “I have heard your voice – both those who supported me and those who voted for Mr. Stoianoglo. In our choice for a dignified future, no-one lost… we need to stand united.”
Moldova, a former Soviet republic, is one of Europe’s poorest countries and has a large expat population which overwhelmingly supported Sandu.
A parallel referendum was held with the first round of the presidential election. It asked voters if they agreed to amend the country’s constitution to make accession to the EU an explicit goal. The amendment was narrowly passed, with 50.4% voting in favour and 49.6% voting against it.