Moldova's pro-Western Sandu claims election win

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. Moldova's pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu claimed victory at Sunday's closely-fought presidential election, defeating Alexandr Stoianoglo, her rival backed by the traditionally pro-Russian Socialist Party, Reuters reports.

With 98% of the ballots counted, Sandu led Stoianoglo with 54.35%, the Central Election Commission said at the end of an election and campaign that were marred by persistent allegations of interference denied by Russia.

Stoianoglo campaigned saying he supported EU integration, but that he also wanted to develop ties with Russia in the national interest. Sandu portrayed him as a Trojan horse for the Kremlin's interests, something he denied.

"Moldova, you are victorious! ... In our choice for a dignified future, no one lost," Sandu said in a conciliatory victory speech, in which she said she had to address the concerns of those who voted against her.

"I have heard your voice – both those who supported me and those who voted for Mr. Stoianoglo. I commit to being the president for all of you," she said.

The vote marked the largest number of expatriate voters to take part in a Moldovan election since 2010 when the diaspora was first allowed to vote.

Inside Moldova's borders, the results showed Sandu actually lost the election to Stoianoglo by a small margin of 48.8% versus his 51.2%. By contrast, she looked on course to win more than 80% of the diaspora vote, which was still being counted.

Sandu painted Sunday's vote as a choice between a bright future in the EU by 2030 or one of uncertainty and instability.