Bucharest, Oct 20, (dpa/GNA) – In Sunday’s presidential election in the former Soviet republic of Moldova, incumbent Maia Sandu is leading, but has failed to secure an absolute majority, after more than 96% of the votes have been counted.
Sandu received some 41% of the votes after around 96% of the ballot papers had been counted, according to the electoral commission.
Former attorney general Alexandr Stoianoglo, the candidate of the traditionally strong Socialist Party of pro-Russian ex-president Igor Dodon, looked set to come second with around 27% of the vote.
The results, if confirmed, would trigger a a run-off election in a fortnight’s time. The current figures are based on partial results.
Pro-European President Sandu, 52, is running for a second term. A total of 11 candidates were in the race, including several who support maintaining strong ties with Russia.
Moldova, situated between Romania and Ukraine, is an EU candidate country. A referendum was also held on Sunday, whether the country’s EU course should be irrevocably enshrined in the constitution.
With almost 97% of ballot papers counted, the “no” votes were ahead, contrary to expectations.
If this is confirmed as the final result, it would be a bitter setback for Sandu from the pro-Western Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), and a victory for the pro-Russian camp.
The vote is being closely watched in Brussels. The European Commission pledged €1.8 billion ($1.9 billion) in economic aid for Moldova this month.
The package contained financial support for infrastructure projects in Moldova like bridges, railways, and a road link from Chi?inau to the Ukrainian harbour city of Odessa. The EU also promised to grant Moldova greater access to the bloc’s single market.
GNA