Politics Election for president and EU course started in Moldova
In the small former Soviet republic of Moldova, the presidential election and referendum on the country's EU course got underway this morning without incident, according to the authorities. This was announced by election director Angelica Caraman in the capital Chisinau. Tens of thousands of people had already cast their votes in Chisinau earlier in the morning.
20.10.2024, 09:52
SDA
Accordingly, 30 polling stations in the Transnistria region, which has broken away from Moldova, and 231 polling stations abroad are also open. In Moscow, long queues formed in front of the embassy of the country, which is torn between the West and Russia. Moldova lies between EU member Romania and Ukraine and is a candidate for EU membership.
The pro-Western President Maia Sandu, who is seeking a second term in office, has simultaneously scheduled a referendum to enshrine the impoverished agrarian country's EU course in the constitution. A total of eleven candidates have been admitted, including some who advocate good relations with Russia.
Security authorities in Moldova have uncovered disinformation and voter buying by pro-Russian forces in the run-up to the vote. Russia, on the other hand, accuses the EU of influencing voters with the promise of billions in aid.
Sandu is the favorite, but a run-off is likely
The 52-year-old Sandu is considered the favorite. Her approval ratings in opinion polls recently stood at around 36%. A run-off election with the runner-up is likely in two weeks' time if she does not achieve an absolute majority of votes in the first round.
Moldova has around 2.5 million inhabitants. Hundreds of thousands of Moldovans living abroad - mainly in the EU - and in the breakaway Russian-controlled region of Transnistria have also been called to vote. The polling stations in the country itself are open from 7.00 am to 9.00 pm (6.00 am to 8.00 pm CEST). Meaningful results are expected late in the evening.
