Otilia Dandara elected rector of Moldova State University following high-turnout academic vote
Otilia Dandara has been elected Rector of Moldova State University (USM) following a high-stakes ballot held on March 3, 2026.
The University’s Council for Institutional Strategic Development (CDSI) confirmed that Dandara secured the leadership with 796 votes. She led a competitive field, followed by Florentin Paladi with 631 votes and Dumitru Dodul with 39 votes.
The election saw 1,483 eligible faculty and staff members cast their ballots. CDSI officials noted that the turnout reflects a high degree of institutional responsibility and engagement within the nation's leading academic body.
A strategic transition of power
The new Rector’s five-year mandate follows recent legislative changes to Moldova’s Education Code. While new rules allow university heads involved in academic mergers to seek an exceptional third term, incumbent Rector Igor Șarov declined to run.
Mr. Șarov, who led the institution since December 2020, described his decision as a responsible conclusion to a period of "visible and measurable results." He emphasized his desire for the new leadership to sustain the university’s current development trajectory.
The appointment now awaits formal legal confirmation according to the University’s internal regulations and national framework.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
