Will the pro-European incumbent or her pro-Moscow challenger win the runoff election? President Sandu warns in advance about fraud. Meanwhile, a flight to Belarus is causing a stir.
In the runoff election for the presidency in the Republic of Moldova, which is aspiring to join the EU, head of state Maia Sandu warned against vote buying and fraud. “Thieves want to buy our votes and our country, but the power of the people is infinitely stronger than all their machinations,” said the 52-year-old pro-European politician, according to local media, while casting her vote in the capital Chisinau. Sandu, who is hoping for a second term, called on the country to unite. Voters should not let their honest voice be taken away from them, she said.
The people in the impoverished agricultural country, which is a candidate for EU membership, are deciding between Sandu and the former Attorney General Alexandr Stoianoglo. The 57-year-old is running for the Socialist Party of Moscow-friendly former President Igor Dodon. The outcome of the election is considered open. According to the electoral authority, voter turnout was around 43 percent in the afternoon, meaning more than 1.2 million people had already cast their votes.
Moldovans abroad are also flocking to the polls. In a video shared on social networks, numerous people on a plane hold up their passports. The Belarusian state news agency Belta reported that a plane carrying Moldovans from Moscow landed in Belarus. Moldovans are also flying to other countries to vote because supposedly only 10,000 ballot papers were issued in Moscow. Police in Moldova announced an investigation. It was a criminal offense to bring voters to polling stations at home and abroad in an organized manner, it was said.
The polling stations are open until 9 p.m. local time (8 p.m. CET). The first results are expected late in the evening.
