In the Moldovan presidential election held on the 20th (local time), a showdown occurred between pro-Western and pro-Russian candidates. Initial counts indicate that the pro-Western incumbent, President Maia Sandu, is leading. However, with former Prosecutor General Alexander Stoianoglo, the pro-Russian camp’s representative, performing unexpectedly well, a runoff election between the two candidates is anticipated on November 3 unless there is a significant change.
According to AFP and TASS news agencies, the Central Electoral Commission of Moldova revealed the vote tallies with 40% of votes counted, showing Sandu with 35.56% and Stoianoglo with 29.31%, placing them in first and second place, respectively.
Although 11 candidates contested in the election to appoint a President for a four-year term, the votes were largely expected to consolidate around Sandu and Stoianoglo due to the stark contrast between pro-Western and pro-Russian alignments.
The current vote results differ from pre-election polls. While Sandu remains in the lead, Stoianoglo’s progress is notable. A pre-election survey by polling agency CBS-AXA showed Sandu, of the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), at 36.1%, and Stoianoglo, of the Socialist Party, at 10.1% support.
The actual vote count revealed Stoianoglo’s voter support significantly exceeded his poll ratings, catching up to Sandu. Should Sandu secure over 50% of the vote, her re-election is a given, but as trends suggest, a runoff on the 3rd of next month seems unavoidable.
Some analysis points to the government’s criticism accumulated during Sandu’s administration, due to issues like rising prices, being reflected in Stoianoglo’s strong showing. On the other hand, the local police announcement that millions of Russian dollars were distributed by Moldovan businessman Ilan Shor and his associates to voters did not seem to negatively impact Stoianoglo, according to observations.
The opposition’s growing support is also evident in the referendum on European Union (EU) membership conducted alongside the presidential election. This referendum was a strategic move by Sandu to reaffirm public support for her pro-European policies.
Before the election, a survey showed 63% in favor of joining the EU, but with more than 40% of the votes counted, the results indicated 56% opposition and 44% in favor. If this shift in public sentiment is confirmed post-count, maintaining a majority of seats for the ruling PAS in next year’s parliamentary elections might prove challenging.
(AP Photo, Yonhap News)