Summary
- Pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu seeks a second term in office.
- Her rival, Stoianoglo, advocates for EU integration while also seeking closer ties with Russia.
- Sandu accuses Stoianoglo of being a “Trojan horse” for Russia, a claim he denies.
CHISINAU, Nov 3 (Reuters) – Moldovans head to the polls on Sunday for a presidential runoff overshadowed by allegations of election meddling. This election carries significant implications, as it could enable Moscow to gain greater influence in a diplomatic battleground between Russia and the European Union.
Pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu, who has intensified the push for her southeast European nation to break away from Moscow’s sphere and join the EU, faces a challenge from Alexandr Stoianoglo. Stoianoglo, an ex-prosecutor general, has the backing of the pro-Russian Socialist Party.
As the election approaches, concerns about foreign interference loom large, adding tension to the already competitive race. Voters must decide between Sandu’s vision of European integration and Stoianoglo’s alignment with Russian interests.
Sandu has focused her campaign on highlighting her administration’s progress toward EU membership and distancing Moldova from Russian influence. Meanwhile, Stoianoglo has positioned himself as a candidate who can strengthen ties with Russia while advocating for a more balanced foreign policy.
The outcome of this runoff will not only determine Moldova’s political direction but also signal the region’s broader geopolitical alignments. As voters make their choices, the stakes remain high for both candidates amid a backdrop of international tensions.
The fortunes of Maia Sandu, who initiated Moldova’s long path toward EU accession talks in June, will attract close attention in Brussels. This comes just a week after Georgia, another ex-Soviet state aspiring to join the EU, re-elected a ruling party perceived as increasingly pro-Russian.
Alexandr Stoianoglo asserts that he would also support EU integration as president, but he aims to develop ties with Russia in the national interest. He has pledged to revive access to cheap Russian gas supplies and stated that he would be willing to meet with President Vladimir Putin if Moldovans expressed support for such a meeting.
As both candidates present their visions, the stakes for Moldova’s future have never been higher. Sandu emphasizes her commitment to European values and the importance of distancing Moldova from Russian influence, while Stoianoglo highlights a pragmatic approach that seeks to balance relations with both the EU and Russia.
The outcome of this election will not only shape Moldova’s domestic policies but will also influence its international standing, especially in the context of rising geopolitical tensions. Voters face a critical decision that will determine the direction of the country amid competing foreign interests.
As Moldova approaches this pivotal moment, both candidates are keenly aware that their positions could have lasting implications for the nation’s alignment and prosperity in the years to come.
The outcome of the vote will likely set the tone for next summer’s parliamentary elections, where Sandu’s ruling party is expected to face challenges in retaining its majority. These elections will play a crucial role in shaping the future government of Moldova.
Stoianoglo’s rhetoric of balancing East and West contrasts sharply with Sandu’s record over the past four years. During her time in power, relations with the Kremlin have deteriorated significantly, leading to the expulsion of numerous Moscow diplomats from Moldova.
Sandu has consistently condemned Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine, reinforcing her commitment to aligning Moldova with European values and distancing the country from Russian influence. This stance has resonated with many voters who support a clear pro-European path.
As the election approaches, both candidates offer differing visions for Moldova’s future. Stoianoglo advocates for a pragmatic approach that seeks to maintain ties with Russia while also pursuing EU integration, appealing to those who favor a more balanced foreign policy.
The upcoming vote will not only impact the presidential race but will also influence the broader political landscape as Moldova navigates its complex relationship with both the West and Russia. The decisions made now will have lasting implications for the nation’s trajectory in the years ahead.
Moscow has labeled Sandu’s government as “Russophobic.” In response, Sandu portrays Stoianoglo as the Kremlin’s ally and a political Trojan horse. She frames Sunday’s vote as a critical choice between a promising future in the EU by 2030 and one filled with uncertainty and instability.
Stoianoglo counters these claims, asserting that Sandu has failed to prioritize the needs of ordinary Moldovans. He accuses her of practicing divisive politics in a country that consists of a Romanian-speaking majority alongside a significant Russian-speaking minority.
As the election approaches, both candidates aim to resonate with voters through their contrasting narratives. Sandu emphasizes her commitment to European integration, while Stoianoglo seeks to appeal to those who feel neglected by her administration.
The political landscape in Moldova remains charged, with both candidates keenly aware of the implications of their messages. Each seeks to capture the attention of voters by highlighting their differing visions for the nation’s future.
Ultimately, the outcome of the vote will reflect not just personal choices but also the broader aspirations of Moldovans as they navigate their complex identity and international relationships. The stakes are high as the nation approaches this pivotal decision point.
FRESH MEDDLING ALLEGATIONS
The police have intensified their efforts to prevent a repeat of what they described as a vast vote-buying scheme orchestrated by Russian-backed fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor during the first round of elections and the EU aspirations referendum on October 20.
While Russia denies any interference in the electoral process, Shor has also denied any wrongdoing. Living in Russia, he has publicly urged people through social media to vote against Sandu and has even promised payment for following his directives.
These developments have heightened tensions as authorities work to ensure a fair election process. The involvement of foreign influences and allegations of misconduct have raised significant concerns among voters about the integrity of the upcoming vote.
Sandu has claimed that the meddling influenced the October 20 results, alleging that Shor attempted to buy the votes of 300,000 people, which represents over 10% of the population.
A source within the Moldovan government revealed that Chisinau had informed several EU nations of its belief that Russia would attempt to disrupt voting by Moldovan expatriates at polling stations abroad on Sunday. The source, who requested anonymity, told Reuters that polling stations in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Canada, Romania, the United States, and Britain might face disruptions, potentially including bomb hoaxes.
Moldovan voters living in Western countries are perceived as largely pro-European and more inclined to support Sandu, who has championed Moldova’s bid to join the EU by 2030. In the first round, Sandu secured 42% of the vote, falling short of the 50% needed for an outright victory, while Stoianoglo came in second with 26%.
Stoianoglo is expected to attract protest votes against Sandu’s economic management in a nation of fewer than 3 million people, which has struggled with the aftermath of the COVID pandemic and the fallout from Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This invasion led to a significant influx of refugees and sharply reduced Russian gas supplies, resulting in high inflation. As the vote approached, Sandu campaigned under the slogan “Save Moldova,” while the opposition quickly countered with a parody slogan: “Save Moldova from Sandu.”
