Moldova's election: Citizens demand reform and accountability
The fight against corruption, reforms across all sectors, and an improved standard of living are among the key expectations citizens hold for the re-elected president following Sunday’s runoff election.
Some voters interviewed on the streets of the capital today mentioned they had stayed up until midnight to follow the presidential election results. They expressed gratitude toward the diaspora, whose votes played a decisive role.
“All I can say is bravo to them, bravo to all of us who are striving for a European future—a dream I hope will become reality, to live in a civilised society with clear rules and mutual rights that we can all enjoy together.”
“I believe the diaspora’s involvement has had a significant impact on our future—a bright future, I believe. I fully support their participation. Russia should not be involved; we are two independent countries, and each should focus on its own needs.”
“It’s good that we won, but it was challenging—where there are many Moldovans, some still vote against Moldova; I don’t understand why people in the north vote this way. - Are you saying it was successful but difficult? - Yes, it was challenging; we won thanks to the support of the diaspora.”
“Thanks to the diaspora, we won. Based on the results, we still have a lot of work ahead in Moldova. We can see the progress made so far, and we wish her continued success.”
“It’s time for those spreading rumours to take a step back; it’s unseemly. I am confident she has the courage to accomplish what she has started. I’m sure she will follow through because she began this work with strong initiative.”
“I believe this was the final push that secured the victory. If we recall previous elections, they were also won with the support of the diaspora. Bravo to the diaspora—I am proud of these admirable people who bring values to our country. - What is your opinion on Russia’s interference in our elections? - That’s a more complex issue, but clearly, it was aggressive. In my view, they made a heavy bet but ultimately didn’t win. It was like a race—they bet on one horse, but another won.”
“We are a neutral country, so no one should interfere in our affairs.”
“- How did this year’s presidential election go? - Corrupt. - Why exactly do you say corrupt? - Because it’s hard to tell who is in the right and who is not; everyone is just looking out for their own interests. That’s the issue.”
People express a desire for more decisive actions from the president in promoting economic, social, and judicial reforms.
“It’s essential to boost the economy; that’s important. Gas should be affordable, the economy should grow, and nothing else matters as much.”
“As a pensioner, I receive very little—that’s why many pensioners didn’t show support. There are six hundred thousand of us. - Do you expect pensions to increase? - Yes, they should be raised—not by just six percent.”
“The elections went very well; the country has taken a European course toward a better life for all its people. We expect the president to take stronger measures with the justice system and the prosecution office and to prove that the oligarchs will be held accountable, showing the people that justice is working.”
The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has processed all official records from the second round of the presidential election. Maia Sandu, the candidate of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), has won a new term as president with 55.33% of the vote. Alexandr Stoianoglo, the candidate of the Socialist Party of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), received 44.67% of the vote.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
