Moldova at a Crossroads: President Sandu Hails Election Result as Strong EU Mandate, While Opposition Rejects Outcome and Vows Legal Fight

The Republic of Moldova is facing a sharp political divide following the preliminary results of its legislative elections. The ruling party sees the victory as a decisive public endorsement of the country's pro-European trajectory, while the opposition is challenging the results, threatening a comprehensive legal battle.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated on Monday that her pro-European party's victory in the weekend's legislative elections constitutes a "strong mandate for the accession process" of the country to the European Union. Speaking at a press conference, Sandu emphasized, "Yesterday's vote represents a strong mandate for Moldova's accession process to the European Union," adding, "We have shown the world that we are brave and do not allow ourselves to be intimidated," in a clear reference to accusations of Russian interference in the electoral process.

Opposition Refuses to Recognize Results, Vows Legal Challenge

Conversely, former Moldovan President Igor Dodon, who leads the Socialists' Party, announced that the leaders of the opposition "National Bloc" refuse to recognize the results of the recent parliamentary elections and intend to challenge them through all available legal channels.

Speaking at a demonstration in front of the Parliament building, Dodon asserted: "There are violations that we are analyzing as they come in, and we will present them according to the adopted legal procedures... Until all complaints are considered, we will not recognize the results of the elections." Dodon meticulously outlined the opposition's legal path, stating they would start with the Central Electoral Commission review, then proceed to the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, and "finally, the Constitutional Court; we will fully adhere to legal procedures." He also noted that other opposition parties have filed similar complaints.

Dodon urged his supporters "not to be provoked," claiming that any destabilization attempts were orchestrated by the authorities. He highlighted an incident where a supporter of President Sandu allegedly insulted the opposition and chanted "Nazi slogans" before being removed by police, underscoring the opposition's commitment to calm and the legal process.

Seat Distribution Based on Preliminary Results

Preliminary data from the Central Electoral Commission, after counting 99.9% of the ballots, showed the ruling "Action and Solidarity" party leading with 50.16% of the votes. The "National Bloc" secured second place with 24.19%. The pro-European "Alternative Alliance" garnered 7.97%, the "Our Party" (Partidul Nostru) secured 6.20%, and the pro-European "Democracy at Home" party received 5.62%.

Based on these results, the "Action and Solidarity" party is projected to secure 55 out of 101 seats in Parliament, giving it a comfortable majority. The "National Bloc" is expected to take 26 seats, with the remaining seats distributed among the Alternative Alliance (8 seats), Our Party (6 seats), and Democracy at Home (6 seats). The ruling party's proportional lead in seats is partly attributed to the reallocation of votes cast for parties that failed to cross the electoral threshold.