Opposition candidate Sandu wins presidential run-off in Moldova

Maia Sandu, opposition candidate and former Prime Minister, speaks to the media as she visits a polling station during the second round of a presidential election in Chisinau, Moldova November 15, 2020. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza

Maia Sandu, opposition candidate and former Prime Minister, speaks to the media as she visits a polling station during the second round of a presidential election in Chisinau, Moldova November 15, 2020. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza

CHISINAU, November 16 (Reuters): Opposition candidate Maia Sandu won presidential election run-off in Moldova, defeating pro-Moscow incumbent Igor Dodon, preliminary results from the central election commission showed on Monday.

The commission's data showed Sandu had 57.74% of votes and Dodon had 42.26% after 99.95% of ballots had been counted.

"Preliminary data is clear, they speak for themselves," Vladimir Sarban, the commission's deputy head, told a news conference.

He said the final results would be announced within five days. According to Moldova's legislation, the Constitutional Court must approve the results.

Sandu, 48, has said she would secure more financial support from the EU as president.