Moldova’s President Maia Sandu prepares to cast her vote, in Chisinau, Moldova, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, during a presidential election and a referendum on whether to enshrine in the Constitution the country’s path to European Union membership. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
As delivered by Deputy Chief of Mission Tim Hanway
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
October 24, 2024
On October 20 Moldovans went to the polls to exercise their democratic right to elect their president and determine their country’s future. We commend the Moldovan people for their participation in the election and referendum. They did this in an environment beset by security threats caused by Russia’s ruthless war against neighboring Ukraine.
We share the views of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) that Moldova’s presidential election and constitutional referendum were well-managed, and candidates campaigned freely. We are deeply concerned by apparent efforts to undermine the country’s democratic processes through malicious cyber activity, disinformation, vote-buying, and the illicit financing of sanctioned individuals. As we approach the presidential run-off elections on November 3rd, the United States will continue to support Moldova’s efforts to ensure a credible and democratic process.
Mr. Chair, the people of Moldova have made clear that their future is firmly anchored in Europe. The United States will continue to assist Moldova on its chosen path toward democratic reform and European integration.
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