Pro-Western Candidate Wins Moldova’s Presidential Election

By Stefan J. Bos, Special Correspondent Worthy News

(Worthy News) – Pro-western opposition candidate Maia Sandu has won Moldova’s presidential election after a run-off vote against incumbent Igor Dodon, who was openly supported by Russia.

After receiving almost 58 percent of the vote, Sandu will be the first woman to become the leader of what is one of Europe’s poorest nations, preliminary results showed.

Sandu, 48, is a former World Bank economist who favors closer ties with the European Union. President Dodon sought closer relations with Russia.

The defeat of Dodon, a regular guest in Moscow, was seen as a setback for Russia. Moscow fears that EU member state Romania may one day try to absorb Moldova. Kremlin supporters claim Sandu’s win may weaken Russian influence in the region.

However, Sandu tried to avoid the controversy by focusing her victory speech on rampant corruption in Moldova. “Moldovans need a state that does not steal but protects its citizens. I say to those who voted for my opponent – you did not lose. I will earn your trust every day,” she said.

And she appeared to reach out to Russian-speaking voters in her nation. “Moldova should be a good home for all citizens regardless of their nationality and the language they speak.”

Her opponent Dodon has accused Western leaders of meddling in the election and claimed violations marred the vote. But he asked his supporters not to protest and said he would concede defeat if local courts ruled that no violations had occurred.

Final election results were due within five days.

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