Sandu takes narrow lead in the presidential election
Meanwhile, incumbent Maia Sandu was closer to a second term in office, after early results in the country’s presidential election gave her a small lead over her main rival.
With more than 40% of votes counted, Sandu had 35% of the votes and so is likely to face her closest competitor Alexandr Stoianoglo in the second round. So far, he had a higher-than-expected 30%.
Who else is vying for the presidency?
Pro-Western Sandu competed against 10 other presidential candidates — including some advocating closer ties with Russia.
Although the 52-year-old was the clear favorite to win, recent polls suggest she only has around 36% support.
Stoianoglo, a 57-year-old former prosecutor supported by the pro-Russian Socialists, polled at just 9% ahead of the vote.
Renato Usatii, a 45-year-old former mayor of Moldova’s second-largest city Balti, was predicted to win 6.4% of the vote, polls conducted before the election said.
Should no candidate win a majority, the vote will head to a second round on November 3.
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Moldova fears war with Russia
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Votes marred by allegations of Russian interference
Ahead of Sunday’s election, Moldovan authorities said they had uncovered a massive vote-buying scheme allegedly involving millions of dollars from Russia.
Police have accused Ilan Shor, a fugitive businessman and former politician living in Russia, of trying to pay voters to back a specific presidential candidate and vote “no” in the EU referendum.
Shor, who was convicted in absentia of fraud last year, is under Western sanctions and denies wrongdoing.
Police warned this week that up to a quarter of ballots could be tainted by Russian cash.
Authorities also said they had uncovered a plan that involved hundreds of people being taken to Russia to be trained to stage riots and create “mass disorder” in Moldova.
Sandu has repeatedly issued warnings about Russian efforts to meddle in the vote — allegations Moscow has rejected.
Russia’s battle for influence: From Ukraine to Georgia?
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mm, nm/rc (Reuters, AFP, dpa)
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Publish date : 2024-10-20 20:12:00
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