Moldova’s run-off presidential election has set the stage for a pivotal moment in the country’s future. Pro-European incumbent President Maia Sandu is facing Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former chief prosecutor she dismissed, who promises a balanced foreign policy but enjoys backing from the pro-Russian Party of Socialists. The race is seen as a stark choice between a path towards European Union integration or deeper ties with Russia.

Voting concluded at 21:00 (19:00 GMT), with 54% turnout reported, marked by significant queues in Moscow, Belarus, and across Europe, reflecting the critical role of Moldova’s 1.2 million-strong expat community. Sandu, who won the first round with 42.4% but fell short of an outright victory, urged Moldovans to reject external influence and protect their independence. “Thieves are trying to buy your vote and your country,” she warned.

Accusations of Russian meddling have cast a shadow over the election. National security adviser Stanislav Secrieru alleged “massive interference,” citing reports of organized voter transports from Russia and other countries. The election commission acknowledged incidents involving charter flights and buses and urged public vigilance.

The Kremlin has denied any involvement. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia rejected allegations of interference, similar to denials issued during Georgia’s recent contested elections, which its president labeled a “Russian special operation.”

Stoianoglo, who positions himself as an apolitical candidate, advocates for balanced relations between the West and Russia. He denies any links to fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, who is accused of moving $39 million from Moscow into Moldovan banks to influence the vote. Shor, facing embezzlement charges in Moldova, promised financial incentives to those opposing EU integration.

Former Defence Minister Anatol Salaru underlined the election’s significance, stating it would decide whether Moldova continues its EU integration or veers back towards Russian influence. Moldova, a former Soviet republic of 2.5 million people, has already initiated talks to join the EU and recently supported a constitutional commitment to that goal by a narrow margin.

Despite denials from Stoianoglo and mixed support from populist figures like Renato Usatii, the outcome of this run-off could dramatically reshape Moldova’s trajectory in the Black Sea region, influencing both domestic and geopolitical landscapes.