by Tom Balmforth and Alexander Tanas
CHISINAU (Reuters) – Moldovans are called to the polls on Sunday for the first round of the presidential election and a referendum on the former Soviet republic’s membership in the European Union.
Moldova, a small republic in South-Eastern Europe of less than 3 million inhabitants located between Romania and Ukraine, has been torn since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, between remaining in the fold of Moscow and rapprochement with the West.
Opposed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moldovan President Maia Sandu accuses Russia of wanting to overthrow her, which the Kremlin denies.
Polls credit the outgoing president with a clear lead over her ten opponents. If none of the 11 candidates obtains more than 50% of the votes, a second round will take place on November 3.
The outgoing president should then be opposed to the pro-Russian candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo, according to polls.
Maia Sandu also hopes that a “yes” vote will win in the referendum on EU membership.
“Our destiny is at stake on Sunday. Everyone’s vote counts, wherever we are,” she wrote on Facebook on Friday.
Polls show a majority of people favor Moldova’s EU membership, although five of the candidates have asked their supporters to vote “no” or boycott the poll, saying the timing of the referendum was only a maneuver to establish the power of the outgoing president.
Relations between Chisinau and Moscow have deteriorated since the pro-Western camp came to power in 2020.
The Moldovan government has repeatedly denounced Russia’s persistent interference in Moldova’s affairs. Moscow denies this and accuses the Moldovan government of “Russophobia”.
(French version Camille Raynaud)
Belgium
