Sunday’s local elections took place in better conditions than previously and haven’t seen any flagrant incidents, stated Andrei Năstase, ACUM’s candidate for Chisinau mayor, after the polls closed at 9:00 p.m. However, Năstase added, the elections were not without fake news and smear from both inside and outside the country.

“I’m calling on all our representatives and observers at polling stations to keep an eye out and make sure people’s votes are accurately counted,” said Andrei Năstase.

He added that these elections are a crucial test for Moldovan democracy. “Romania, Europe and the United States are watching carefully to see how ensure that these elections are brought to completion properly.”

Năstase said that it is too early to estimate the results, but added that, compared to previous elections, we don’t have to worry anymore that a certain actor could interfere in “extremely toxic” way to alter the outcome.

Attending Năstase’s press briefing, ACUM co-president Maia Sandu agreed that the elections took place in an orderly manner, with a few exceptions. “We tried to make sure that these elections are free and fair, so that people can express their will without being obstructed, intimidated or harassed, as was the case during the oligarchic regime,” stated Sandu.