The Central Electoral Commission of Moldova (CEC) has confirmed that Maia Sandu is maintaining a substantial lead in the country’s presidential election. However, with a significant number of diaspora ballots yet to be counted, the full results remain pending.
Following the tally of ballots from 92.5% of polling stations within Moldova, Sandu has amassed a majority of votes, placing her ahead of her primary challenger, Alexandr Stoianoglo. Stoianoglo, representing the pro-Russian Socialist Party, currently trails Sandu, whose platform includes closer integration with the European Union and anti-corruption measures.
The domestic count is largely complete, covering nearly all of Moldova’s polling stations, with only a few exceptions in the capital, Chișinău. However, a major influencing factor yet to be fully considered is the vote from Moldovan citizens abroad. The diaspora has shown unprecedented turnout in this election, with over 320,000 votes cast outside the country, representing a significant proportion of the total voter count, which stands at under 1.7 million.
Preliminary counts of the diaspora votes indicate a strong preference for Sandu, with approximately 80% of these ballots favouring her candidacy. Given the high percentage of support from Moldovans abroad and the volume of ballots still to be processed, Sandu’s lead is likely to increase further as these votes are finalised.
In anticipation of a positive outcome, Sandu made a public appearance at her campaign headquarters on Sunday evening, greeted by supporters chanting “Maia Sandu – President” and “Victory!” Her lead signifies a potential second term, reinforcing her position as a prominent advocate for European integration and reform-oriented governance in Moldova.
As the remaining diaspora votes are counted in the coming hours, the CEC is expected to release a more comprehensive tally. Should Sandu secure victory, the result would be a significant endorsement of her pro-European and reformist policies, setting the stage for further shifts in Moldova’s foreign and domestic policy directions.
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