Polls opened in Moldova on Sunday to vote in the country’s presidential election and in a referendum on joining the European Union.

According to law, a presidential election is considered valid in Moldova if the turnout exceeds 33.3%. The same applies to the referendum.

The election kicked off in more than 2,200 polling stations across the country, and 234 stations abroad. Voting will continue until 9 pm local time.

A candidate must win 50% of the vote in order to avoid a runoff.

A total of 11 candidates, six representing parties and five running independently, are vying for the presidency. Among them are Incumbent President Maia Sandu from the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS); former Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev, nominated by the Future of Moldova Party; and former Prime Minister Ion Chicu, representing the Party of Development and Consolidation of Moldova.

Besides choosing a president, voters will also be participating in a referendum on whether the goal to join the EU should be enshrined in
the constitution.

Moldova – one of Europe’s poorest countries with some 2.5 million people – has been in particular danger since the start of Russia’s war on neighboring Ukraine.

Source: Qatar News Agency