Pro-EU President Maia Sandu has won a second term as Moldova's leader, beating former Socialist-backed prosecutor Alexandr Stoianoglo with nearly 55 percent of the vote, who had 45 percent in a presidential runoff seen as crucial to the nation's political fate.
The ballot boxes thus seem to dispel any doubts about Moldova's path, reducing the risk of bringing the former Soviet republic back into Russia's orbit. And they confirm the choice made in favor of joining the European Union - albeit narrowly - in the referendum two weeks ago.
In the second round, the current head of state won thanks above all to the votes of the capital Chisinau and the traditionally pro-Western diaspora.
(Online Union)
