Moldova’s Future Hinges on Presidential Runoff

|By Adejumo Adekunle –

Moldovans returned to the polls on Sunday for a critical presidential runoff that could shape the nation’s European path amid worries of Russian meddling. The vote comes shortly after a narrow 50.35% approval in a referendum on EU membership, a decision President Maia Sandu described as influenced by “foreign interference.” Police reported uncovering a Russian vote-buying scheme potentially affecting a quarter of ballots.

Sandu, a pro-EU leader, led the first round with 42.5% but faces stiff competition from Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general backed by pro-Russian allies. “Let’s stay united so that honest votes decide the outcome, not bought ones,” Sandu urged voters in a video address.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean condemned recent vote-buying attempts as an “extreme attack” on democracy, urging citizens not to succumb to threats. Stoianoglo, who advocates a “balanced foreign policy” and stronger ties with Moscow, skipped the EU referendum, calling it a “parody.”