Maia Sandu Becomes The First Moldovan Female President

Published November 16th, 2020 - 10:07 GMT
Moldova's presidential candidate Maia Sandu gestures as she leaves the Action and Solidarity Party office in Chisinau, early on November 16, 2020, following her victory in the second round of the country's presidential election. Sergei GAPON / AFP
Moldova's presidential candidate Maia Sandu gestures as she leaves the Action and Solidarity Party office in Chisinau, early on November 16, 2020, following her victory in the second round of the country's presidential election. Sergei GAPON / AFP
Highlights
The voter turnout was 52.78% in the country of over 3.2 million electorates, including those living abroad.

Pro-Western candidate Maia Sandu has become the first Moldovan female president, winning the second round of the country's presidential election on Monday.

With 100% of ballots counted, former Prime Minister Sandu has won 57.75% of the votes while her rival, acting President Igor Dodon received 42.25%, the country's Central Election Commission said.

The voter turnout was 52.78% in the country of over 3.2 million electorates, including those living abroad.

Final results are expected to be announced within three days. The candidate who comes out of the election will be sworn in within 45 days and begin his presidency.

The second round was held on Nov. 15, called after Sandu -- also the leader of the Party of Action and Solidarity -- and acting President Dodon won the largest number of votes in the first round on Nov. 1, with 3.5% more citizens voting for Sandu.

But none of them gathered 50% plus votes, necessary to win the race.

Dodon had won the 2016 presidential election with 52% of the votes against Sandu, who received 48% in the runoff.

This article has been adapted from its original source.

Subscribe

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content