President Maia Sandu, who is running for a new presidential term and will face Alexandr Stoianoglo in the runoff election, made an appeal to the citizens, stressing the importance of supporting the country’s pro-European course. At a press briefing, Sandu thanked those who voted “Yes” in the referendum, saying that “for this vote to matter, we must prevail against this massive attack on our European course”. Addressing the citizens who voted for other candidates in the presidential election, Maia Sandu noted that she respects their vote and that “we all share the same goal; we all live in Moldova and we have the responsibility to protect what we have”.
“To the citizens who voted for Octavian Țîcu, Andrei Năstase, Tudor Ulyanovski, Ion Chicu – I respect your vote and thank you for expressing it. This is what democracy is about. We all share the same goal; we all live in Moldova and have a responsibility to protect what we have. Our European vision must become a shield against aggression. Let’s leave political differences aside until after the elections. Let’s address our grievances when democracy and our European path are no longer under threat,” stated Maia Sandu.
She also addressed those who voted for Renato Usatyi. “I know we have different opinions. But I also know that, like me, you don’t want criminals to return to power – criminals who come to take everything, to build their own fiefdom in our country, and to seek revenge on anyone in their way. The strength lies in truth, and the truth is that both you and I want to be free in our country, to speak freely, to move freely, to be respected and not trampled on,” said the head of state.
She also had a message for those citizens who are not yet convinced about Moldova’s pro-European future. “We will discuss your concerns. Yes, I am convinced that closer ties with the EU bring great benefits for all, and we are already feeling some of them,” noted the official.
A runoff election involving the two candidates with the most votes in the first round will be held in Moldova on November 3. With 99.77% of the minutes counted, Maia Sandu won 42.40% of the vote on October 20, and Alexandr Stoianoglo – 26.01%.
