The UK congratulates President Maia Sandu on her re-election, and looks forward to continuing support to Moldova's economic and democratic reforms as it works towards its European future.
The United Kingdom notes the results of the second round of Moldova's Presidential Election on 3 November, and congratulates President Maia Sandu on her re-election. We look forward to further strengthening our friendship with the government and people of Moldova, and continuing our support to Moldova's economic and democratic reforms as it works towards its European future.
The UK welcomes the preliminary conclusions of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission that the second round of elections were administered efficiently and professionally, and offered voters a choice between genuine political alternatives. However, we are also deeply concerned by the issues highlighted around vote-buying schemes and foreign interference, including through illicit financing of political actors, disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks against electoral administration bodies. The information environment during the electoral campaign was weaponised by malign actors to sow division in society in an attempt to subvert Moldovan democracy. We, alongside partners, will redouble our efforts to aid Moldova's ability to hold elections that both meet international standards and that are free of external interference in the future.
The United Kingdom fully supports the findings outlined in the ODIHR preliminary conclusions, and encourages the Moldovan government to engage constructively with international partners to address outstanding recommendations. We will continue to support Moldova's efforts to stop interference from Russia undermining democracy in their country.
Thank you, Mr Chair.
