Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned this “unprecedented attack on democracy”while “no” to the European Union (EU) membership referendum is at the forefront, against the backdrop of suspicions of Russian interference.
“Criminal groups, acting together with foreign powers hostile to our national interests, attacked our country with tens of millions of euros, lies and propaganda” pouring “trapping our country in uncertainty and instability”he said with a serious face, MI Sandu, in front of the press, in Chisinau.
Moldovan voters were called on Sunday 20 October to vote in two important elections: the first round of presidential elections and a referendum on adopting the principle of future EU membership in the Constitution. Moldova already has a foothold there with the official opening of accession negotiations in June.
Facing candidates supported by pro-Russian socialists
However, after counting about 90% of the vote, 53% voted against European rapprochement. This is a surprise and, if true, a setback for President Maia Sandu. This trend could be reversed because there are still many votes to be counted abroad, where much of the diaspora lives.
At the same time, the head of state who is about to end his term of office, who has decisively turned his small country, the warring neighbor Ukraine, and also Romania, a member of the EU and NATO, towards the EU, took first place in the first round of the presidential election with 36% of the vote. On November 3, he will face Alexandr Stoianoglo, 57, backed by pro-Russian socialists, who did better than expected with almost 29% of the vote.
Maia Sandu, who left Moscow after the invasion of Ukraine and submitted her country’s candidacy to Brussels, has called a referendum to validate her strategy, and determine the fate of the former Soviet republic of 2.6 million people.
Buying votes
Corruption, disinformation: in recent months, police have carried out 350 searches and arrested hundreds of suspects accused of wanting to disrupt the election process on behalf of Moscow. A system “unprecedented” The practice of vote-buying has been exposed, targeting up to a quarter of voters expected to turn out for the election in the country of 2.6 million people.
According to the WatchDog think tank, Russia spent around one hundred million dollars to influence the vote. With, in his maneuvers, oligarch Ilan Shor, a refugee in Moscow after being convicted of fraud. On social networks, he jokes ” way out “ by Maia Sandu and her « sad échec ». The Kremlin has “categorically” rejects accusations of interference.
“This vote will determine our fate for decades”said President Maia Sandu during the vote, inviting all citizens, including the large diaspora, to travel. “This is the wish of the Moldovan people” who should express themselves, “not someone else’s, not dirty money”the candidate insisted.
The first woman to occupy, in 2020, the highest position in this state located between NATO and Russia’s zone of influence, the 52-year-old economist with a reputation for incorruptibility has become a leading figure in Europe. Facing him in the first round were not heavyweights but ten candidates, most of whom were thought to be more or less connected to Moscow behind his speeches. “neutrality”. Some speak Russian, in addition to the official Romanian language.
After this setback, victory for MI Sandu in the second half was still far from safe. Mr. Stoianoglo can count on a reserve of votes from many small candidates. During the campaign, this fierce-looking man shouted « restaurateur la justice » in front of a country that the opposition says is ready to violate rights. Says he supports foreign policy “balanced” reconnecting with Russia, he abstained from the referendum.
