For Ms Sandu, who has led Moldova’s pro-Western government since 2021, the support from the electorate signals a continued mandate to pursue EU membership, a trajectory fiercely opposed by Russia. The stakes were high for Moldova’s diaspora, with more than 325,000 casting ballots, mostly in favour of Ms Sandu, marking a record turnout.

Maldovan President Maia Sandu has won a second term in office, the country's election commission said. With more than 98% of votes counted in the runoff election for the presidency on Sunday, Sandu secured about 54% of votes,

Moldovan President Maia Sandu casts her ballot at a polling station during the second round of the presidential election in Chisinau, Moldova November 3, 2024. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo CHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldova handed Russia's ambassador to Chisinau a protest note on Tuesday over alleged interference by Moscow in a presidential election and a referendum on joining the European Union.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova has handed Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov a note of protest over Russian interference in the elections and two Russian drones whose wreckage was recently found in the country's regions.

Moldova's Ministry of Foreign Affairs handed a note of protest to Russia's newly appointed ambassador, Oleg Ozerov, in response to Russia's interference in the election and the crash of two Russian drones on Moldovan territory,