Moldova's pro-Western president wins 2nd term in runoff overshadowed by Russian meddling claims

Moldova's pro-Western President Maia Sandu has won a second term in office in a pivotal presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly opponent, in a race that was overshadowed by claims of Russian interference, voter fraud, and intimidation in the European Union candidate country.

With nearly 98% of votes counted in the second round of the presidential race held Sunday, Sandu had obtained 54% of the total votes, according to the Central Electoral Commission, or CEC, compared to 46% for Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general who was backed by the pro-Russia the Party of Socialists.

When polls closed locally at 9 p.m. (1900 GMT), turnout stood at more than 1.68 million people - about 54% of eligible voters, according to CEC.

The result will be a major relief for the pro-Western government, which strongly backed Sandu's candidacy, and her push for closer Western ties on Moldova's path toward the EU.

"Moldova, you are victorious! Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of being written in history books. Today, you have saved Moldova! In our choice for a dignified future, no one lost," Sandu said. shift irked Moscow and significantly soured relations with Chisinau.

Since then, Moldovan authorities have repeatedly accused Russia of waging a vast "hybrid war," from sprawling disinformation campaigns to protests by pro-Russia parties to vote-buying schemes that undermine countrywide elections. Russia has denied it is meddling.