CHISINAU, November 9. /TASS/. Moldova's Central Election Commission (CEC) has approved the results of the second round of the presidential election and the victory of incumbent President Maia Sandu in it.
"Candidate Maia Sandu, nominated by the Party of Action and Solidarity, who received the largest number of votes in the second round (930,139), is declared elected," CEC Chairwoman Angelica Karaman said, reading out loud the draft resolution, which was adopted unanimously.
She also said that the decree would take effect as of today and would be sent to the Constitutional Court for approval. It can be appealed to the Chisinau Court of Appeal within three days.
According to the CEC, Sandu won 55.33% of the vote in the second round, beating opposition candidate Alexander Stoianoglo. In Moldova itself, however, Stoianoglo received 51%. His rival prevailed thanks to the votes of over 300,000 Moldovan migrant workers, for whom the authorities opened over 200 polling stations in EU countries.
The CEC received numerous complaints of violations, including abuse of administrative resources and organized transportation of voters, but they were rejected. Stoianoglo had earlier conceded defeat.
The elections took place against the backdrop of an economic crisis caused by rising energy prices and opposition protests, to which the authorities responded with repressive measures. Thus, 14 TV channels that provided a platform for the opposition were accused of jeopardizing national security and shut down. Criminal cases were opened against their leaders. Approximately 1,000 people were searched during the election campaign.