In Moldovan Presidential Runoff, Incumbent Warns Of Vote Buying While Her Rival Denies Russia Ties

Moldovans voted in a presidential runoff on November 3. After casting their ballots in the capital, Chisinau, both runoff rivals referred to suspicions of foreign meddling. "There are thieves who want to buy our votes and our country," said incumbent President Maia Sandu. After the first round, which was held on October 20 together with a referendum on a pro-EU constitutional amendment, Sandu accused "criminal groups" of vote-buying attempts. Sandu's rival, former Prosecutor-General Alexandr Stoianoglo, often portrayed as pro-Russian, told reporters: "I have no ties with Kremlin representatives."