Maya Sandu Photo: Daniel Mihailescu/ AFP
Voting has begun in Moldova for the presidential election, which could be decisive in determining the country’s foreign policy course. Incumbent President Maia Sandu, who supports the European path of development and EU integration, is running against Alexandru Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general backed by the pro-Russian Socialist Party, Reuters reports.
Sandu, who this year launched Moldova’s accession process to the European Union, advocates a clear break with Moscow’s influence and approximation to European standards. However, her main opponent, Stoianoglo, calls for a “balanced” policy – supporting both the European course and restoring ties with Russia, in particular, to obtain cheap Russian gas. He even said that he would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin if the people of Moldova so desired.
These elections are of particular interest to the European Union, as Moldova, like Georgia, which also recently chose between pro-Russian and pro-European courses, is becoming a battleground for East-West influence. This morning, polling stations opened at 7:00 am and will remain open until 21:00.
The choice made today by Moldovan voters will not only determine the country’s course for the coming years, but may also influence the parliamentary elections scheduled for the summer of 2024, where Sandu’s party expects to face serious challenges. Tensions in the society due to the proximity to the hostilities in Ukraine are felt, and this adds weight to the current vote.
“Today is a crucial day for us… either we are moving in one direction or the other. We haven’t had such an important day in the last 30 years,” said Mihai David, 58, a voter from Chisinau.
