Another rigged "election": Pro-EU president declares victory in highly contentious election | 3 Nov 2024 | Moldova's incumbent pro-EU president, Maia Sandu, declared victory in Sunday’s runoff election after official tally revealed her 10-point lead over former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo. With over 98% of the ballots counted, Sandu has received 55.03% of the votes, while Stoianoglo received 44.97%, news channel TVR reported in the early hours of Sunday, citing the Central Electoral Commission. Although early results indicated a slim lead by Stoianoglo, Sandu overtook the lead around midnight and the gap between them gradually widened as more votes were being "counted" overnight. [Sound familiar?] The election, which is widely seen as pivotal for Moldova's aspirations to join the EU, has been marred by accusations of rigging and voter manipulation from both the government and the opposition.