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Moldova’s 2024 presidential elections, held on Oct. 20 and Nov. 3, marked a pivotal moment for the country’s future. Moldovans voted not only for their President, but also on a referendum for European Union membership, which narrowly passed. With the re-election of pro-EU President Maia Sandu, Moldova affirmed its commitment to democratic principles and ambitions for EU accession.

President Sandu’s advocacy for EU membership, anti-corruption initiatives and democratic reforms gained strong support from voters, who favored EU alignment over long-standing connections with Russia, demonstrating an increasing desire for change in Moldova.

In Moldova’s Nov. 3 runoff election, President Maia Sandu secured re-election with 55% of the vote, defeating her pro-Russian opponent Alexandr Stoianoglo, who received 45%. Sandu had previously led in the Oct. 20 first round with 42% but faced a close competition, with Stoianoglo initially leading in early returns. The deciding factor was likely the large Moldovan diaspora’s late votes, particularly from Western Europe, which tipped the result in her favor. Her agenda will focus on fighting corruption and on judicial reforms necessary for EU accession, a goal she hopes to reach by 2030. The EU has pledged €1.8 billion in support, but Moldova remains vulnerable, positioned between regional instability and a Russian-supported separatist region, Transnistria, along its border.

Since assuming office in 2020, Sandu has been a vocal advocate for democratic reforms, judicial independence, anti-corruption measures, and transparent governance. Her administration has sought to steer Moldova toward European integration.

Alongside her re-election, a national referendum was held on Moldova’s EU membership bid. The proposed constitutional commitment to join the European Union narrowly passed, was met with slim margins, with 50.46% voting "Yes" and 49.54% voting "No", surprising many, as the vote was expected to pass more comfortably. Sandu described the vote as a “first difficult battle” toward EU accession but denounced alleged foreign interference.

Both the referendum on EU membership and the presidential election saw an intense backdrop of alleged interference, with Moldovan authorities claiming that foreign agents ramped up a "hybrid war" to destabilize the country. The accusations involve funding opposition groups, spreading disinformation, and orchestrating vote-buying schemes. The European Commission in Brussels echoed these concerns, stating that the vote was marred by "unprecedented interference and intimidation," aimed at disrupting Moldova's democratic process.

Moldova’s 2024 elections mark a turning point but also expose deep-seated divides, reflecting both aspirations for a European future and the persistent influence of pro-Russian sentiments. Sandu’s re-election and the slim referendum victory indicate that while a growing number of Moldovans support the shift toward EU integration, nearly half of the electorate remains cautious to such a drastic geopolitical shift.

Sandu's administration will have to close this gap as Moldova moves closer to joining the EU. Whether Moldova's 2024 elections will ultimately represent a decisive pivot or reinforce old alliances will depend on Sandu's ability to deliver on her promises of reform, and withstand pressures from both domestic and external opposition.