The pro-European party of incumbent president Maia Sandu has won Sunday’s parliamentary elections with just over 50% of the vote, despite Moscow’s attempts to influence the outcome.
The Action and Solidarity Party outperformed expectations, which had suggested it might win but risk losing its majority, securing 55 of the 101 seats in parliament.
The result marks a major victory for the head of state, who centred her presidential campaign last year on closer ties with Europe while denouncing Moscow’s underhand efforts to destabilise the country.
On Monday, Sandu welcomed the voters’ choice to reject Russian intimidation and interference. “We did not allow ourselves to be bought, intimidated or frightened. We mobilised and defended our country through honest, democratic choice,” she said.
“Throughout this campaign, the Kremlin sought to divide us, to undermine our trust in the state, in our institutions, in one another, and in our ability to resist. This election showed that yes, we have vulnerabilities, but also capable institutions and dedicated people,” she added.
Moldova will now seek to accelerate its integration into the European Union.
