Diaspora likely to prove decisive in Moldovan election

Significance Stoianoglo, supported by the opposition Socialists, performed better than expected in the first round. Disaspora votes tipped the referendum in Sandu's favour but underscored the limits of Chisinau's efforts to curb Moscow's electoral influence. Impacts The referendum results show that malign external influences and internal polarisation might undermine democratic processes. Sandu's failure to win in the first round allows the majority of opposition forces to mobilise against her candidacy in the second round. The pace of EU integration is likely to be slow, regardless of the election outcome.