The Moldovan electoral landscape is marked by deep fragmentation, making it difficult for any candidate to unify opposition against Sandu.
The significant number of Moldovans voting from abroad, especially in Russia, has raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process, given the limited polling stations available.
The low turnout for the referendum on European integration suggests a disconnect between the government's narrative and public sentiment.
Given the fragmentation of the opposition, it is plausible that Sandu could win the second round against Stoianoglo, despite her unpopularity.
The ongoing political tensions and dissatisfaction among the electorate may lead to increased protests or calls for reform in the electoral process.
Moldovan Presidential Elections: A Divisive Campaign
In the recent Moldovan presidential elections, incumbent President Maia Sandu and former prosecutor Alexandru Stoianoglo advanced to the second round, amid allegations of an intensely controversial campaign. The first round has been labeled as the dirtiest in Moldova's post-Soviet history, with eleven candidates competing for the presidency. Sandu's campaign faced criticism for extensive use of administrative resources, political repression, and alleged electoral fraud, particularly concerning voting at foreign polling stations.
The elections were accompanied by a referendum on Moldova's European integration, a move seen as a strategy to boost voter turnout and legitimize Sandu's position. However, this tactic backfired, as many Moldovans perceived the referendum as a vote for Sandu, who is currently unpopular with a significant anti-rating. Despite these challenges, Sandu managed to secure 42% of the vote, falling short of the 50% plus one vote needed to win outright.
