The victory of the pro-European PAS party in the parliamentary legislative elections in Moldova, despite pressure from Russia, represents a "strong mandate for the accession process" of the country to the European Union (EU), Moldovan President Maia Sandu said today.
"We have shown the whole world that we are brave and worthy, that we did not allow ourselves to be intimidated," she said during a press conference, referring to allegations of Russian interference in the election.
The leader of the Party of Truth and Action (PAS), Igor Grosu, welcomed the election victory.
"PAS has a parliamentary majority, a pro-European parliamentary majority only because you gave us this trust and this opportunity," he told Gross, adding that it had been an "extremely difficult fight."
PAS, in power since 2021 in this country, one of the poorest in Europe, neighboring Ukraine and Romania, won 50,20 percent of the vote after all ballots were counted, according to data published on the Electoral Commission's website.
According to projections, PAS could retain an absolute majority in parliament with 55 out of 101 seats, compared to 63 in the outgoing assembly.
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PAS is ahead of the pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc, which has a result of 24,17 percent, one of whose leaders, former President Igor Dodon (2016-2020), has called for demonstrations in Chisinau today.
In third place, with 7,96 percent of the vote, is the National Alternative Movement (MAS) led by Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban, who called for a vote against PAS.
Dodon, who declared victory on Sunday evening, said today that he had filed dozens of complaints with the Election Commission.
Depending on its decision, "we will take further legal measures," Dodon warned during a demonstration he called in front of parliament at noon local time.
About 200 people participated in the rally, chanting "Freedom" and "Moldova".
A total of 52,17 percent of Moldovan voters participated in the elections, which had more at stake than a simple parliamentary election: deciding between continuing to move closer to the EU or returning to Russian control.
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