Moldova's presidential runoff featured pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu and Russian-backed former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo, amidst unprecedented election interference.

As of November 4, 2024, the Central Election Commission reported that nearly 98% of the votes had been counted, with over 1.68 million people participating, representing around 54% of eligible voters.

Sandu expressed gratitude to her supporters, emphasizing unity and democracy, and noted the participation of over 300,000 voters from abroad.

Stoianoglo campaigned on a platform of law and order but faced criticism for his failure to address corruption during his previous tenure as prosecutor general.

The Moldovan government has been criticized for slow judicial reforms and economic hardships, worsened by the ongoing war in Ukraine and Russian pressure on gas supplies.

Moldova has struggled with rampant corruption and a mass exodus of citizens seeking better opportunities abroad, complicating its aspirations for EU membership.

Critics of Sandu argue that while she has forged close ties with the West, she has not effectively managed Moldova's economic struggles or judicial reforms.

Despite challenges, Sandu's government aims to reform the judiciary and bolster the economy to achieve EU membership by 2030, countering Russian influence in the region.

In the election, Renato Usatii, a populist candidate who finished third, chose not to endorse either leading candidate, urging his supporters to make their own decisions.

Analysts suggest that Sandu's campaign may have underestimated voter sentiment and overestimated her chances, contributing to a weaker-than-expected performance.

Law enforcement has conducted numerous investigations into voter intimidation and bribery, including raids on political party headquarters and the detention of individuals involved in coercing votes.

Sandu's election in 2020 was marked by her strong anti-corruption stance, following a major scandal that saw a significant portion of the country's GDP vanish.