Moldova chooses: Sandu fights against Russian interference and fraud!

Moldova chooses: Sandu fights against Russian interference and fraud!

Chisinau, Moldawien - Moldova is on the verge of a political upheaval! In a tense presidential run-off, the citizens between the pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu and her Russia-friendly challenger Alexandr Stoianoglo choose. The elections, which were opened on Sunday at 7 a.m. (5:00 a.m. GMT) and last until 9 p.m. (7:00 p.m. GMT), could decisively influence the direction of Moldovas in the direction of EU membership. Over three million voters are registered and the tension is tangible!

Maia Sandu, who received 42 percent of the votes in the first ballot on October 20, fights for her re -election. Stoianoglo, a former Attorney General who supports close relationships with Russia, ended up in second place with 26 percent. Despite his assertions of supporting EU integration, he also plans to expand the connections to Russia in national interest. He even promised to meet President Vladimir Putin if the Moldovers wish!

election fraud and intimidation

The elections are overshadowed by severe allegations: planned counterfeits and intimidation are in the room. Moldova's Prime Minister Dorin Recean reported anonymous death threats that voters were supposed to frighten. "These intimidations have only one goal: to spread panic and fear," said Recean. The police have already taken measures to prevent a repetition of the massive electoral purchases that are suspected in the first ballot by the Russian -supported oligarch Ilan Shor.

The allegations on Russian interference and election fraud are not new. Sandu claimed that the manipulations influenced the results of the first round. A recently published survey report indicates a tight race, with Sandus victory possibly dependent on the support of the big diaspora. The elections are not only a test for Moldova's political stability, but also a crucial moment for the European future of the country!