Moldova's democratic triumph defies Russian interference
- Moldova, you have triumphed. Today you gave a lesson in democracy that should be written in history textbooks, said Maia Sandu on Sunday night into Monday. Unofficial results indicate that she received 54% of the votes in the second round. Sandu expressed her satisfaction and emphasised the importance of this victory.
- Today you have saved Moldova - stated Sandu in gratitude to her voters. Addressing the supporters of her competitor, Alexandr Stoianoglo, she declared: "Nobody lost".
- I promise that I will be the president of all of you. We may have different views, speak different languages, but we all want peace, mutual understanding, and a good life for our children. This is my goal for Moldova in the coming years – Sandu called for cooperation.
Sandu also pointed out the need for changes in the country. - I fully understand that this vote was driven by a need for change – a change that society is waiting for. Know that I have heard all voices, including the critical ones – she emphasised.
The local media point to a much higher turnout than in the first round. The portal Newsmaker.md even called it "record-breaking". Attention is also drawn to the enormous turnout in the Moldovan diaspora, which analyst Kamil Całus described as "an all-time record."
Russian attacks on the elections in Moldova
Sandu also referred to reports of external interference allegedly carried out by Russia. - Moldova has been attacked in an unprecedented manner in European history – with the help of dirty money, illegal buying of votes, hostile interference in the electoral process – she warned.
After counting the votes from 98% of election commissions, Sandu's result was 54.3%, which ensured her victory in the second round of the presidential elections.
