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On Sunday, Moldovan citizens are voting in the decisive second round of the presidential election, where pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu is competing against Alexandr Stoianoglo, the candidate backed by the pro-Russian Socialist Party.
In the first round, Sandu received over 42% of the vote, while Stoianoglo garnered nearly 26%.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time and will close at 9 p.m. A total of 2,219 polling stations are operating, including 1,988 in Moldova and 231 abroad.
Stoianoglo positions himself between East and West, with rhetoric contrasting Sandu’s policies. Under her leadership, Moldova cut ties with the Kremlin and supported Ukraine in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Sandu has labeled Stoianoglo a Kremlin ally, warning that his victory could lead to uncertainty and instability. Stoianoglo denies these claims, accusing Sandu of pursuing policies that divide the country, where a significant part of the population is Russian-speaking.
The election results will set the tone for next year’s parliamentary elections, in which Sandu’s party will fight to retain its majority.
Moldovan officials have stated that Russia has directed millions of dollars toward influence operations in the country, including interference in the presidential election and a referendum on EU membership.
Read also: Europeans told to prepare for possible war with Russia – Newsweek
