Presidential election, EU membership referendum conclude in Moldova

Voting for the presidential election in Moldova, which coincided with a referendum on EU membership, has concluded. 

Polling stations across the country closed at 21:00 (GMT+3) on October 20, Caliber.Az reports, citing Moldova’s Central Election Commission (CEC).

Voting will continue in some Western countries, where election organisers are adhering to local time. 

The election witnessed high voter engagement, with a turnout of 51.3 per cent (1.544 million voters) as of 21:00, surpassing the required threshold of 33.3 per cent for the voting and referendum to be considered valid. 

At this time, the CEC and observers have not reported any significant violations that could impact the election results. The CEC is still in the process of reviewing complaints and incoming information.

A total of 11 candidates were vying for the presidency, including incumbent President Maia Sandu, who enjoyed full backing from the parliament.

Her main opponent was former Attorney General Alexander Stoianoglo, who criticised Sandu for her confrontational stance toward Moscow.

Observers noted that the plebiscite was intended to bolster Sandu's chances of re-election for a second term amid an economic crisis and ongoing protests of the opposition.

By Naila Huseynova