However, according to Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi, diasporans hit an all-time turnout record early on Sunday evening, with more than a quarter of a million voting “despite fake bomb alerts at several polling stations in Europe (likely perpetrated by (pro)Russian elements).”
Statistics published by the Central Election Commission show that a clear majority of votes cast by Moldovans abroad were for Sandu.
Speaking overnight, Sandu said: “Moldova has been under an unprecedented attack in the history of all Europe — dirty money, illegal vote-buying, the interference in electoral processes by hostile forces from outside the country and by criminal groups, lies, sowing hatred and fear within society.”
There have been repeated warnings that Moscow has sought to oust the Moldovan president in the past, with Ukraine’s intelligence services last year alleging a plot to violently overthrow the government. A former Soviet Republic, Moldova borders Ukraine. Russia has stationed more than a thousand troops in the breakaway region of Transnistria, despite calls from the Moldovan government that they be withdrawn.
Moldova began accession talks with the EU in June, and officials have set an internal deadline of 2030 to join the bloc.
Siegfried Mureșan, a Romanian MEP and chair of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with Moldova, told POLITICO on Sunday night that Sandu’s presumed win was a victory for “a future where the benefits of the European Union are felt in the lives and homes of all Moldovans.”
“The pro-European victory in the presidential elections and the positive outcome of the referendum on joining the European Union make the Republic of Moldova a stronger state, better prepared for the accession process,” he said.
This story is being updated.
