The Way Forward: Moldova’s 2020 Presidential Runoff Election

Speakers

• Valeriu Paşa, Lead Policy Expert, Disinformation and Politics, WatchDog.MD
• Nicu Popescu, Director, Wider Europe Program, European Council on Foreign Relations

 Moderators

• Jonathan Katz, Senior Fellow and Director, Democracy Initiatives, The German Marshall Fund of the United States
• Stela Leuca, Fellow, The German Marshall Fund of the United States

On November 15, former Moldovan Prime Minister Maia Sandu and President Igor Dodon will face off in a tight runoff for the Moldovan presidency. The stakes could not be higher for Moldova’s future, democracy, and European integration efforts. Current President Dodon has been clear about his interest to move Moldova even closer to the Kremlin, while Sandu spoke about regaining U.S., EU, and Western support for Moldova’s democratization, anti-corruption, and economic reform efforts.

Despite an election environment marred by disinformation, allegations of voter intimidation, economic decline, and a growing number of COVID-19 infections, Moldovans at home and in the diaspora came to support their candidates in record numbers in the first round of elections two weeks ago. The unprecedented Moldovan diaspora vote was integral to putting Maia Sandu ahead of incumbent Igor Dodon in the first round. What will Moldovan voters decide on November 15, given the overwhelming majority of the population says that Moldova is going in the wrong direction and that their top concerns—including the economy, poor governance, and coronavirus and healthcare needs—are not being addressed by the government? Will the election on November 15 be viewed as a free, fair and transparent election meeting expectations of the Moldovan people and international community?

The German Marshall Fund of the United States' Frontlines of Democracy Initiative invites you to participate in a timely conversation looking at the outcome and impact of Moldova’s presidential elections, while also focusing on Moldova’s post-electoral challenges internally and externally, including its relationships with Russia, the EU, and the U.S. If President Dodon is reelected, will Moldova manage to revive its support from international partners to ensure a post-pandemic economic recovery? Will Moldova advance in its democratic reforms, rule of law, anti-corruption fight, and its future in Euro-Atlantic institutions? If Sandu is elected as Moldova’s new president, what should Washington, Brussels, and foreign partners expect from Chisinau? How would a Sandu presidency advance reform and uproot corruption with ongoing political infighting and an opposition-controlled parliament and government?

If you have any questions, please contact John Alexander at [email protected].