Chișinău, 4 November 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Maldovan President Maia Sandu has won a second term in office, the country's election commission said.

With more than 98% of votes counted in the runoff election for the presidency on Sunday, Sandu secured about 54% of votes, according to preliminary results from the commission.

"Moldova, today you are victorious. Together, we've shown the strength of our unity, democracy, and commitment to a dignified future," Sandua wrote on social media platform X late on Sunday.

"Thank you, dear Moldovans, at home and abroad. Walk with pride — you are freedom, hope, and resilience. I am proud to serve you all."

Sandu's challenger, former attorney general Alexandr Stoianoglo, who was considered the pro-Russian candidate, garnered about 45% of the vote.

Voter turnout in the country, torn between the European Union and Russia, was higher than in the first round on October 20, with more than 54% of voters taking part in this round.

The voting day was punctuated by allegations of Russian interference by Sandu and her national security adviser Stanislav Secrieru.

Secrieru accused Russia of massive interference in the vote for the presidency.

Speaking on the X platform, Secrieru said that interference in the election posed a great risk of distorting the result.

Earlier in the day, Secrieru wrote on X: "We're seeing massive interference by Russia in our electoral process as Moldovans vote in the presidential run-off today — an effort with high potential to distort the outcome. Authorities are on high alert."

Secrieru accused Russia of massive electoral interference, claiming it posed a risk of distorting the results. He reported illegal voter transport from the Russian-controlled region of Transnistria and organized transport from Russia to locations such as Baku, Istanbul and Minsk.

The adviser shared a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows individuals holding their Moldovan passports on a plane heading to Minsk.

Complaints arose over limited polling stations in Moscow, as only 10,000 ballots were allocated for Moldovans living in Russia.

Sandu also warned of vote buying and electoral fraud before the polls closed.

"Thieves want to buy our votes and our country, but the power of the people is infinitely stronger than all their machinations," she told local media when she cast her vote in the capital, Chișinău.

Moldova, a largely agricultural country situated between Romania and Ukraine, is a candidate for EU membership like Ukraine.

Sandu, who was considered the favourite to win the presidency, has faced criticism over lack of economic and social progress in the country of about 2.5 million residents.

Thousands of Moldovans living abroad — mainly in the EU - as well as those living within the breakaway region of Transnistria were also able to vote in the second round.

Stoianoglo planned for Moldova to both pursue the path to EU accession and maintain good economic ties with Russia. His opponents consider him to be a puppet of corrupt oligarchs.

Security authorities in Chișinău recently said they had uncovered a cash-for-votes scheme by pro-Russian forces in advance of the October 20 vote.

Despite this, a referendum to enshrine the country's EU orientation in the constitution of Moldova, scheduled by Sandu for the same day as the first round of voting, was narrowly backed by voters.

European leaders congratulate Sandu

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Sandu on her win on X.

"It takes a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges you’ve faced in this election," von der Leyen said. "I'm glad to continue working with you towards a European future for Moldova and its people."

Her comments were echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron.

"Democracy has triumphed over all interference and machinations. France will continue to stand by Moldova on its European path," Macron said on X.

Addressing Moldovans, Macron said that the path to the EU "is one of freedom and democracy, the foundations of a shared future. United we are stronger."

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk meanwhile expressed cautious optimism about Sandu's re-election.

"Despite aggressive and massive Russian interference" in the election, Sandu "has most likely defeated Moscow's favourite,” Tusk wrote on X. "Let's hope that this trend continues in other countries in the coming days and months."

Photo: EPA