Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu led the first round of the country’s presidential election on Oct. 20 with nearly 39 percent of the vote, the Moldovan election commission announced. The preliminary results are based on over 93 percent of the tallied votes. If no candidate wins a majority, a second round of voting will take place on Nov. 3. Moldovan voters also rejected enshrining the country’s path to European Union accession, with over 52 percent voting against the amendment in a referendum held alongside the presidential election. Allegations of Russian interference have tainted the election results, with tensions between Moscow and Chisinau escalating. Pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu has accused Moscow of plotting against her government, while allegations of Russian meddling by oligarchs like Ilan Shor have surfaced. The U.S., U.K., and Canada have warned of potential Russian interference, and Moldova has taken steps to strengthen treason laws in response. The country launched EU accession talks and faced a Russian-backed plot to influence elections through bribery and disinformation. The ongoing situation highlights the geopolitical challenges facing Moldova as it navigates its future.
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