The European Union has welcomed the re-election of Moldova's pro-European President Maia Sandu, in a tense vote that has laid bare divisions in the former Soviet republic bordering war-torn Ukraine.
Backed by the country's large diaspora, Ms Sandu won 55.41% of votes, according to near-complete results published by the election commission.
Her rival, Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is supported by the pro-Russian Socialists, won 44.59%.
Yesterday's key vote was overshadowed by allegations of Russian meddling.
It took place just two weeks after a referendum in which Moldovans voted by a razor-thin margin to back joining the EU.
"Moldovans have shown once again their determination to build a European future despite hybrid attempts to undermine democracy," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell posted on X.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen also congratulated Ms Sandu on her re-election and the country's "European future".
Congratulations, dear @sandumaiamd, on your victory tonight.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 3, 2024
It takes a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges you've faced in this election.
I’m glad to continue working with you towards a European future for Moldova and its people. pic.twitter.com/YcCurwhpCq
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Ms Sandu had "safely guided the Republic of Moldova through difficult times and set her country's European course".
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also congratulated Ms Sandu, saying: "Only true security and a peaceful, united Europe can guarantee each person and every family the confidence to face tomorrow with hope and certainty."
French President Emmanuel Macron said democracy had "triumphed over all interference and all manoeuvres".
Like in Georgia, another ex-Soviet country where the ruling party won a contested parliamentary election last weekend, Russia has been accused of seeking to sway voters.
Russia has denied the allegations.
Moldovan authorities reported "attacks, provocations and attempts at destabilisation" yesterday.
Police said they were investigating Russia's alleged use of "organised transportation" to Belarus, Azerbaijan and Turkey so people living in Russia could vote at Moldovan missions in those countries.
Cyberattacks and fake bomb threats also targeted out-of-country voting operations, authorities said.
Turnout was higher than in the first round on 20 October, when Ms Sandu came out ahead with 42.5% and runner-up Mr Stoianoglo got 26%.
Sandu vows to be 'president for all'
Ms Sandu owed her victory to Moldovans living abroad, many of them in EU countries.
The 52-year-old former World Bank economist lost in the territory of Moldova itself, election results showed.
Moldova is deeply polarised.
A large diaspora and the capital mostly favour joining the EU, while rural areas and the pro-Russian separatist regions of Transnistria and Gagauzia are against.
"This is what tipped the election," said Florent Parmentier, a political scientist at Paris-based Sciences Po, noting Ms Sandu's "dependence on the outside".
In a conciliatory speech mostly in Romanian, the country's official language, but also in parts in Russian, Ms Sandu vowed to be a "president for all".
"I have heard your voice -– both from those who support me and those who voted differently," she said.
"No matter your voting choice, we all want to live in peace, in harmony, and to have a better life. I assure you that this is my primary goal for the coming years."
"Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of being written in history books... Freedom, truth, and justice have prevailed," Ms Sandu said.
Her rival Alexandr Stoianoglo, 57, whom Ms Sandu fired as prosecutor general last year, urged people "to remain calm, regardless of the figures" as early results were coming in.
He did not speak again after Ms Sandu claimed victory.
Ms Sandu applied for Moldova to join the EU after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Accession negotiations formally opened in June.
In the 20 October referendum, 50.35% backed EU membership, with Ms Sandu blaming "foreign interference" for the narrow result in the country of 2.6 million people.
Police said they uncovered a Russian vote-buying scheme that could have affected up to a quarter of the ballots.
Casting his vote yesterday, Mr Stoianoglo said he had "no relations with the Kremlin".
While he also favours joining the EU, he boycotted the referendum.
To maintain its pro-EU course, Moldova needs "a lot of help" given "the hybrid war waged by Russia", according to Andrei Curararu, an analyst at the Chisinau-based WatchDog think tank.
"It will not succeed on its own," he said, earlier citing "unprecedented pressure" with more than $100 million (€91 million) estimated to have been spent on "destabilisation activities".
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