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CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — A Moldovan court rejected an appeal Thursday of its ruling to invalidate the results of a local election in the former Soviet republic's capital city.
Andrei Nastase, a pro-European prosecutor who opposes the Russia-friendly policies of Moldova's government, won 52.5 percent of the vote in Chisinau's June 3 mayoral election, defeating a Socialist candidate who called for closer relations with Moscow. About 39 percent of voters cast ballots in the election.
The Appeals Court voided the election late Wednesday, saying both candidates had addressed voters on social media after the legal end of campaigning. The court concluded the late messages had affected the outcome of the race.
Nastase appealed the decision, saying it was politically motivated. He still can bring another appeal. The U.S. Embassy in Moldova and some members of the European Parliament have expressed concerns and residents protested both Wednesday and Thursday.
The election was called after Chisinau's mayor of the past decade, Dorin Chirtoaca, stepped down after being investigated for alleged influence-peddling involving a city parking contract. Chirtoaca also has called the case against him politically motivated.
Election officials say if further rulings hold up the election as void, Silvia Radu, who has been acting mayor since Chirtoaca left office, will hold the position until a 2019 election.
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