Initial results from Moldova's presidential election indicate that no candidate has secured the majority needed for an outright victory, while a razor-thin majority voted in favor of pursuing European Union (EU) membership in a simultaneous referendum, underscoring the nation's ongoing struggle with its geopolitical identity.
The two presidential candidates with the most votes, Maia Sandu and Alexandr Stoianoglo will advance to the second round of the election, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) of Moldova announced on Monday.
The runoff is expected to focus on economic concerns, as well as the country's geopolitical positioning and ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
"Obviously, the economy, people want better lives, better wages, better salaries. Elderly people want better pensions. So both candidates will promise that they will be the ones who will achieve economic growth, and help people live better lives, improve their quality of life," said Eugen Murauschi, a political analyst.
For many Moldovans, this election represents a pivotal opportunity to shape their nation's future and improve prospects for the next generation.
"I believe the biggest problem for the younger generation right now is the lack of work opportunities in the country. Also, we hope for better salaries and new opportunities for the young," said Vlada, a Moldovan citizen.
Another citizen, Dumitru, laments the country's persistent instability.
"For thirty-five years now there's only chaos in Moldova. There is no stability. Mass migrations are happening, In 1991, Moldova's population was 4.9 million, almost 5 million. But now there are only 2 million left in the country, which means 50 percent either left the country or died," said Dumitru.
According to the final results of the referendum held alongside the 2024 general election on Sunday, 50.46 percent of voters supported the EU integration amendment, while 49.54 percent opposed it, according to the CEC.
Angelica Caraman, president of the CEC, told a briefing that the Commission will submit a report on the election results to the Constitutional Court. The Court is expected to confirm or invalidate the referendum results within 10 days.
Moldova's pursuit of EU membership has accelerated since President Maia Sandu took office at the end of 2020. The country formally applied for membership in March 2022 and received candidate status that June. It began accession negotiations in June 2024, according to local media reports.
Moldova, a small Eastern European nation that gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, has faced significant challenges, including economic hardship and political instability.
Moldova's presidential election sees no majority winner while EU membership gains narrow support
