Victory for Democracy: Maia Sandu Defeats Russian Interference in Moldovan Election

In a win for pro-EU forces in Moldova, incumbent President Maia Sandu defeated Alexandr Stoianoglo in the November 3 presidential runoff, securing a second term. Sandu achieved a roughly 54% to 45% lead, with nearly all ballots counted. Following the victory, she addressed supporters in Chisinau, stating, "We proved that by uniting, we can defeat those who wanted to bring us to our knees," referring not only to her opponent but to what she considers the Kremlin's ongoing interference.

Alleging unprecedented levels of foreign meddling, Sandu has long argued that the real threat to Moldova's sovereignty and its EU aspirations lies with Moscow. Russian interference in the election was pervasive, she claimed, involving a coordinated campaign to unseat her administration. According to her office, Russia funded attempts to sway the election, deploying tactics to shift Moldova back within its influence.

While Sandu's recent victory was conclusive, it wasn't guaranteed. Her narrow failure to secure a majority in the initial October 20 round was a surprise, and the concurrent referendum to enshrine Moldova's EU path in the constitution passed by a slim 11,000-vote margin. Amid suspicions of fraud and doubts over her future, Sandu vowed, "We fought fairly in an unfair fight—and we won. But the fight isn't over."

Numerous reports highlighted Russian interference throughout the campaign. Authorities from Moldova, alongside EU and US officials, detailed alleged efforts by Russia-linked criminal networks and political groups. Moscow's influence was reportedly fueled by over 15 million dollars in Russian funds aimed at supporting Stoianoglo, backed by the pro-Kremlin Party of Socialists. Around 130,000 Moldovans were allegedly instructed on...