Moldovan President Sandu calls on citizens living abroad to vote in second round of elections

CHISINAU. Oct 25 (Interfax) - Moldovan President Maia Sandu has thanked Moldovans living abroad for active voting in the first round of the country's presidential election and asked them to come to polling stations on November 3 for the second round of voting.

"A total of 240,548 Moldovans from all over the world gathered for the election and defended peace, the country's European course, and a better life for their loved ones back home. You voted 'yes' in the referendum, and we won," Sandu said in a video published on social networks.

"Let us gather 350,000 Moldovans from the diaspora in the second round. [...] Let's mobilize," she said.

The presidential election in Moldova took place on October 20. Sandu and former Prosecutor General Alexandr Stoianoglo won the most votes, 42.49% and 25.95%, respectively. It enabled them to compete in the second round of the elections slated for November 3.

The constitutional referendum on European integration took place simultaneously with the presidential elections on October 20.

Despite the boycott of the referendum by the opposition and a number of presidential candidates, including Stoianoglo, the referendum was declared valid. Over 46% of voters voted in it with the necessary minimum of one third of votes. In total, 50.38% of voters voted for European integration, while 49.62% voted against it. The margin reached less than 12,000 votes. Moldovan citizens voting abroad ensured it. Over 180,000 out of 235,000 voters at polling stations abroad cast their votes in favor of European integration.

In addition, over 70% of voters at polling stations abroad voted for Sandu, while 8% voted for Stoianoglo.