Presidential election, referendum can be considered valid in Moldova

Voter turnout for the presidential election in Moldova and the referendum on joining the EU has exceeded the required 33.3 per cent threshold for both the election and the plebiscite to be considered valid.

A total of 11 candidates are vying for the presidency, including incumbent President Maia Sandu, who enjoys full backing from the parliament, according to preliminary data on the Central Electoral Commission's website, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

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

Simultaneously, a referendum is being held to declare EU integration as the country's strategic goal. 

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

The winner of the election will be the candidate who secures more than half of the votes. 

If no candidate achieves this majority, a runoff will take place on November 3, featuring the top two candidates from the first round.

By Naila Huseynova