Moldova. Presidential Election

The undertaken election surely was a choice between the EU-path in face of Maria Sandu or "Russian-friendly" existence by the side of Stoianoglo. In 2024, June, the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada made a partnered declaration regarding Russian interference in the Moldovan election. At the same time, the US slapped penalties against Evghenia Guțul, the Governor of Gagauzia, accusing him of being an "active facilitator" of Russian-backed electoral interference (Tanas, 2024). Sandu's foreign policy adviser, Olga Roșca, said that Russia is "pouring millions in dirty money to hijack our democratic processes."This isn't simply dabbling; it's outright intervention aimed at destabilizing our future. It's worrisome." (Sauer, 2024).

During the presidential debate, Sandu suggested Stoianoglo of being a "Trojan horse" politician for foreign forces seeking power in Moldova. Stoianoglo refuted lobbying on behalf of Russia. He nevertheless kept away from criticizing the Kremlin for its invasion of Ukraine, instead calling for better relations. He stated that "the level of Russian interference in Moldova is highly exaggerated" and that he would pursue a "reset of relations" with Russia (Noi.md, 2024).

Current President Maia Sandu and Alexandr Stoianoglo progressed to the runoff, with Sandu topping that initial round with around 42.5% of the vote. In the second round, Maia Sandu beat Alexandr Stoianoglo winning approximately 55% of the vote, opposed to 45%. President Sandu blamed the results of the first round and the referendum on foreign involvement, calling it a "unprecedented assault on democracy," stressing that her administration had evidence indicating that 150,000 votes had been bought, and with a goal of 300,000. The European Union additionally said that the two drills were conducted "under unprecedented interference and intimidation by Russia and its proxies" (Rainsford, 2024).

Sandu expressed in her triumphant speech: "Moldova, you are victorious! Today, dear Moldovans, you taught a lesson in democracy that will be remembered for generations. Today, you rescued Moldova." She went on to say that the election had come under unheard of attack from claimed schemes like dirty money, vote-buying, and electoral intervention "by hostile forces from outside the country" and criminal organizations.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen both expressed appreciation for Sandu, with Von der Leyen stating that "it takes a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges you've faced in this election" (Kirby, 2024).

Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, denounced the election as "neither democratic nor fair" and denied to acknowledge Sandu as president, claiming that abroad Moldovan voters in Russia had been invalidated. The Russian foreign ministry criticized the West for "blatant interference" in the presidential election and Moldovan authority of "unprecedented repression against the opposition" (Times, 2024).

1. Tanas, A. (2024). US sanctions pro-Russia governor of Moldova’s Gagauzia region. Reuters. [online] 12 Jun. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/us-sanctions-pro-russia-governor-moldovas-gagauzia-region-2024-06-12/.

2. Sauer, P. (2024). Moldovans go to polls to decide whether future lies with Russia or the west. [online] Theguardian.com. Available at: https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/19/moldova-presidential-election-eu-referendum-future-russia-west [Accessed 14 Nov. 2024].

3. Noi.md (2024). Cine ar putea deveni viitorul președinte al Republicii Moldova - sondaj. [online] noi.md. Available at: https://noi.md/md/politica/cine-ar-putea-deveni-viitorul-presedinte-al-republicii-moldova-sondaj [Accessed 14 Nov. 2024].

4. Rainsford, S. (2024). Moldova referendum: Provisional results show thin margin for EU membership. [online] 20 Oct. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1wnr5qdxe7o.

5. Kirby, P. (2024). Moldova election: Pro-EU leader wins despite alleged Russian meddling. [online] 3 Nov. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz7w9dglzzlo.

6. Times, T.M. (2024). Kremlin Calls Moldovan Presidential Election ‘Undemocratic’ and ‘Unfair’. [online] The Moscow Times. Available at: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/11/05/kremlin-calls-moldovan-presidential-election-undemocratic-and-unfair-a86906 [Accessed 14 Nov. 2024].