The Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova labeled Sandu an “illegitimate president.”
Kremlin-linked Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor told Russia’s state-run Russia-24 TV channel that Moldova’s opposition has evidence of mass vote rigging in Sandu’s favor.
Pro-Kremlin former Moldovan President Igor Dodon told TASS news agency that Sandu’s win relied solely on the diaspora’s votes.
Russian media, including military bloggers, echoed Moldova’s pro-Russian opposition in asserting that European bureaucrats control the elections, leaving citizens powerless over the results.
“ISW previously reported on Russia’s systematic efforts to interfere in the Moldovan election in order to derail the passage of Moldova’s European Union (EU) referendum and Sandu’s victory,” the statement said.
Moldova’s presidential election
On Sunday, November 3, Moldova held a runoff in the presidential election.
In this decisive round, the main contenders were incumbent President Maia Sandu and the Socialist Party candidate, former Moldovan Prosecutor Alexandr Stoianoglo.
In the runoff, Sandu secured 55.35% of the votes, defeating her pro-Russian rival.
Russia and its agents attempted to sway the election results.
The first round of elections was held on October 20. On the same day, a referendum was held simultaneously, in which citizens supported Moldova’s integration into the EU.