Sandu leads with 41.55% in Moldova presidential election; runoff expected on November 3

The Central Election Commission of Moldova has counted over 97% of the ballots from the presidential election. The preliminary results indicate that incumbent President Maia Sandu has received 41.55% of the votes, while the Socialist-backed candidate, Alexandr Stoianoglo, has secured 26.51%.

If these results hold and no candidate surpasses the 50% threshold, a second round of elections will be conducted on November 3, 2024.

Image: President Sandu casts her vote. @AP

Related story: Moldova: President Maia Sandu accuses ‘foreign forces’ of voter fraud