By james art 
With nearly 98 percent of the votes counted in Sunday’s second round of the presidential race, Ms. Sandu received 54 percent of the total vote, according to the Central Election Commission, or CEC, compared to 46 percent for Alexander Stoyanoglo, a former prosecutor general. which was supported by the pro-Russian Socialist Party.
When local polling stations closed at 9:00 p.m. (19:00 GMT), voter turnout was over 1.68 million people – about 54 percent of eligible voters, according to the CEC.
The result will be a relief to the pro-Western government in the European Union candidate country, which has strongly backed Ms Sandu’s candidacy and her push for closer ties with the West on Moldova’s path to the EU.
“Moldova, you are a winner. Today, dear Moldovans, you gave a lesson in democracy worthy of being recorded in the history books. Today you saved Moldova. In our choice for a dignified future, no one lost,” said Ms. Sandhu.
In the first round held on October 20, Ms Sandu received 42% of the vote, but fell short of an outright majority over runner-up Mr Stoyanoglo.
The role of president carries significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security and has a four-year term.