The Central Election Commission on November 20 approved the report on the results of the presidential runoff vote held on November 15. It declared the PAS candidate Maia Sandu, who gained more votes in the runoff – over 943,000 – the winner. The CEC’s decision is to be transmitted to the Constitutional Court for the confirmation of the election results and validation of the President’s mandate, IPN reports.

CEC president Dorin Cimil said Maia Sandu obtained 943,006 valid votes, while independent candidate Igor Dodon – 690,615 valid votes. Over 20,500 ballots were invalidated.

Under the Election Code, the Constitutional Court confirms the election results and validates the election of a candidate, adopting a decision that is published immediately. Before the validation of the mandate, the candidate elected President presents to the Court confirmation of the fact that he/she is not a party member and does not hold another public or private post.