In brief
In a significant political event, Moldova has closed polls after a day of voting for its presidential election and a crucial referendum regarding enshrining EU membership aspirations in the constitution.
Polls closed in Moldova on Sunday evening as citizens cast their ballots in a pivotal presidential election coupled with a referendum to cement the nation's goal of joining the European Union in its constitution. As the clock struck 21:00 local time (18:00 GMT), voter turnout surpassed 51%, ensuring the legitimacy of the referendum.Incumbent pro-European Union President Maia Sandu is seeking a second term but faces intense competition from ten challengers, several of whom favor closer ties with Russia. After voting in the capital, Chisinau, Sandu emphasized the referendum’s potential to shape Moldova’s trajectory for decades. She urged voters to resist external influences, implying concerns over alleged vote-buying orchestrated by Russian interests—a claim strongly denied by the Kremlin.Notably, her opponent, Aleksandr Stoianoglo, backed by the pro-Russian Party of Socialists, abstained from voting on the referendum, expressing his disagreement with potential constitutional changes, despite his support for Moldova's European ambitions. Many young voters echoed sentiments of pursuing a European future, voicing frustrations over historical ties to Moscow. "We're choosing a future for our children and ourselves. The choice is between Europe and Russian control," said Oksana, a voter reflecting on the geopolitical implications intertwined with this election. If no candidate emerges with over half the votes, a runoff will take place in two weeks, adding further anticipation to the evolving political landscape in Moldova.
