Moldova's pro-EU President Maia Sandu wins reelection

Moldova's pro-EU incumbent Maia Sandu on Sunday won a tense presidential runoff, beating her rival backed by a pro-Russian party in what she described as a "lesson in democracy."

The election in the ex-Soviet republic that lies sandwiched between war-torn Ukraine and the European Union has been overshadowed by allegations of meddling by Moscow.

The key vote took place just two weeks after a referendum overwhelmingly supported joining the EU by a razor-thin margin.

Sandu secured 54.94 percent of the vote against 45.06 percent for Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is supported by the pro-Russian Socialists and whom Sandu fired as prosecutor general last year, according to near-complete results published by the election commission.

"Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of being written in history books. Freedom, truth, and justice have prevailed," Sandu declared.

'Honest vote' 

Earlier, the 52-year-old former World Bank economist thanked jubilant supporters for "their honest vote."

Her rival Stoianoglo, 57, urged people "to remain calm, regardless of the figures."

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Sandu on her re-election victory and the country's "European future," saying it took "a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges you've faced in this election."

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that democracy had "triumphed over all interference and all maneuvers."

Like in Georgia, another ex-Soviet country where the ruling party won a contested parliamentary election last weekend, Russia has been accused of seeking to sway voters. Moscow has denied the allegations.

Moldovan authorities reported "attacks, provocations, and attempts at...