Pro-European parties ahead in Moldovan elections
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 June 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pro-European parties ahead in Moldovan elections, 16 June 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55b5f3c111.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 16, 2015
By RFE/RL's Moldovan Service
The local elections were seen as a test of whether Moldova would remain committed to European integration or choose to move closer to Russia.
Pro-European parties came out decisively ahead of those favoring closer ties with Russia in Moldova's local elections held on June 14.
In the council votes for towns and villages, pro-European parties won about 56.5 percent versus 31.5 percent for the pro-Russian parties.
The remainder of votes went to independent parties.
The elections were seen as a test of whether Moldova would remain committed to European integration or choose to move closer to Russia.
In the capital, Chisinau, incumbent Mayor Dorin Chirtoaca received 37.4 percent of the vote to 35.9 percent for his pro-Russian party opponent Zinaida Greceanai.
Pro-European parties – which include the ruling Liberal Democrat Party of Moldova and the Democratic Party of Moldova – won mayoral votes in 348 cities, towns, and villages.
Pro-Russian parties won in 56 other localities and independent candidates in 34.
Many places will hold run-off elections in two weeks.
Pro-Russian businessman Ilan Shor, who is being probed over the disappearance of more than $1 billion from three Moldovan banks before the November elections, won outright in the mayoral election in the eastern town of town of Orhei.
With reporting by AP and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
