Candidates react to Moldova's controversial election results
Following the announcement of the preliminary results, public statements were issued by other former candidates who obtained modest scores.
Some of them asserted that the political struggle is just beginning in light of the parliamentary elections scheduled for next year, and that the constitutional referendum has divided society.
Irina Vlah, the former Bashkan of Gagauzia, who ran as an independent, believes the elections were fraudulent; nonetheless, she expressed satisfaction with the score she received.
"If there had not been pressure during the electoral campaign, and if the elections had not been fraudulent on the day of the vote, my result would have been much higher," stated Irina Vlah.
Accusations of irregularities during the electoral campaign were also raised on election day by former prosecutor Victoria Furtună, who also ran as an independent. She emphasised that citizens' votes signify trust and that she will announce her future political steps in due course.
Andrei Năstase, the former Minister of Internal Affairs and an independent candidate, remarked that the referendum represents a failure of the government and that he will continue to advocate for the ideas and values in which he believes.
"I will continue to fight with dedication to free the country; my goal is for the Republic of Moldova to become a European nation," stated Andrei Năstase.
These elections were neither free nor fair, and the result of the referendum is viewed as a consequence of Kremlin influence, according to Octavian Țîcu, the candidate of the "Together" Bloc.
"The subversive actions of Moscow against the Republic of Moldova, which has bought the loyalty of voters supporting Putin with substantial sums, have influenced the results of this referendum," added Octavian Țîcu.
The elections revealed the deep divisions within society, commented Tudor Ulianovschi, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and an independent candidate who received the fewest votes. He expressed optimism and announced that the struggle continues, indicating he is preparing for next year’s parliamentary elections.
Ion Chicu, the candidate of the Party of Development and Consolidation of Moldova, urged his supporters to vote rationally in the second round, emphasising that they should not cast their votes in favour of the current government.
It is worth noting that 11 candidates participated in the presidential elections; however, none garnered the necessary number of votes to secure victory in the first round.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
