2024-10-20 09:43, akt.2024-10-20 16:38
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2024-10-20 09:43
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2024-10-20 16:38
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On Sunday, Moldova is holding presidential elections and a referendum on including European integration in the constitution as the country’s strategic goal. Polling stations will be open until 9 p.m. local time (8 p.m. in Poland).
Foot. Vladislav Culiomza / / Reuters / Forum
The incumbent since 2020 is running for re-election in Sunday’s elections Maia Sandu and ten other candidates. Sandu is the election favorite, and pre-election polls give her result of 35%.
In parallel with the elections, a referendum initiated by Sandu is taking place, in which Moldovans answer the question whether European integration should be included in the constitution as a strategic goal of the state.
Sandu’s opponents include politicians who support a return to close cooperation with Russia. Since Sandu won the elections in 2020 (and her party the following year), Moldova has chosen a pro-Western course, and the authorities’ main goal is to join the EU. Moldova has started accession negotiations with the EU. Sandu announces the continuation of his policy – striving for the EU and reforms, economic development and strengthening democracy.
Attendance
Turnout in the presidential elections in Moldova at 5 p.m. on Sunday (4 p.m. in Poland) exceeded 42.7 percent. The most important questions related to the vote concern whether the elections will be decided in the first round and whether there will be sufficient turnout in the constitutional referendum organized at the same time.
The turnout in the referendum on entering Eurointegration into the constitution is counted separately. According to data from the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) at 12 (11 in Poland) voted 16.4 percent. For the referendum to be valid, one third of registered voters must take part in it, i.e. approximately 940,000. people.
162,000 people have already taken part in the presidential elections abroad. people. As the IPN news agency writes, a chart showing voters voting abroad showed a higher turnout than in the 2020 elections. Traditionally, the diaspora in the West is very active.
Former Attorney General Vladislav Culiomza enjoys the support of socialists led by pro-Russian former president Igor Dodon. Stoianoglo says he is in favor of European integration, but “not in its current form.” This is rhetoric also used by other candidates – while formally announcing their pro-European stance, they criticize Sandu for the way he conducts politics and accuses her of using the referendum as a “political technology” to manipulate moods.
Stoianoglo, as Newsmaker.md writes, is a supporter of Moldova’s neutral status and good relations with Russia.
Candidate of Our Party Renato Usatii is an outspoken critic of Sandu. In the case of the second round, he announced, he would not support it. He also speaks out against the referendum. In the past, he was considered a pro-Russian politician, but he condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
They are also on the list of candidates Vasile Tarlev from the Future of Moldova party, Ion Chicu (Development and Consolidation Party), Andrei Nastase, Octavian Ticu, Victoria Furtunajournalist Natalia Morari and Tudor Ulianovski.
The “great absentee” of this campaign is the pro-Russian opposition politician Ilan Sor, who is prosecuted in Moldova (he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for gigantic financial frauds). Neither he nor parties from his Pobeda bloc, founded in Russia, can run in the elections, but some candidates, such as Irina Vlah or Vasile Tarlev, are suspected of having links with Sor. Irina Vlah, a former Bashkan (leader) of the autonomous Gagauzia, is perceived as a candidate favoring Russia. He supports Moldova’s neutrality, and in the campaign he uses narratives consistent with those of the Kremlin.
It is known for certain that from Russia Sor coordinates the campaign against Sandu and European integration, among others. illegally bringing millions of dollars into the country through intermediaries and “activists” for electoral bribery. The police are conducting a number of proceedings in connection with these activities.
According to the authorities in Chisinau, before the elections, Russian hybrid activities aimed at torpedoing the policy of the pro-Western government have become even more intense than before. These include information campaigns and illegal transfers of money to the country for pro-Russian activists, politicians and for “buying votes” of voters.
The 2024 ballot introduces an alternative postal vote for the first time. It is available to Moldovan citizens taking part in elections in the United States of America, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland, provided that they have previously registered to vote by correspondence, Radio Moldova reports.
From Kishinev Justin Prus (PAP)
just/ zm/ sp/
Moldova’s Presidential Elections: The Dramatic Showdown
Well, well, well! Moldova finds itself in the political spotlight this Sunday—like that awkward kid in class called upon to recite when he hasn’t studied. It’s presidential election time, and not just any election. Oh no! There’s a referendum in the mix, too. Moldovans get to decide if they want to bake European integration right into their constitutional cake. And let’s hope it’s less chewy than a fruitcake!
So, polling stations are rolling open until 9 p.m. local time—because who doesn’t love a good last-minute scramble? The current queen bee of Moldovan politics, Maia Sandu, is strutting her stuff again, looking for a second term. She’s up against ten other hopefuls. Just picture it: a political Hunger Games—minus the arrows and plus a lot of elbowing at the ballot box. Pre-election whispers suggest she’ll snag about 35% of the votes, so she’s striding in with quite a head start!
This isn’t just a simple stroll in the park, mind you. Sandu’s opponents are mainly folks who’d be happier running back into Russia’s warm, fuzzy arms. It’s like they’ve been brainwashed by a Kremlin-sponsored Netflix series—“Keeping Up with the Czar.” Since Sandu took the crown in 2020, Moldova has been doing the tango with the West, all in hopes of joining the EU. She’s got big plans for reforms, democracy, and, let’s be real, making Moldova the cool kid on the European block.
Now, here’s a juicy tidbit for you: as of 5 p.m. local time, about 42.7% of voters were already flexing their democratic muscles! But wait, there’s more! The referendum on baking Eurointegration into the constitution requires a snazzy one-third of registered voters to show up. So, we’re talking about roughly 940,000 votes—no pressure, guys.
And let’s not forget about the Moldovan diaspora, who are clearly more enthusiastic about voting than your average couch potato on a Sunday. About 162,000 expats have already cast their votes from abroad! Kudos to them for not forgetting where they came from while living the high life in the West!
But hold your horses! Enter the former Attorney General, Vladislav Culiomza, who’s got the backing of socialists and the ever-charming pro-Russian former president, Igor Dodon. What a dream team! Culiomza is all about maintaining Moldova’s neutrality and “good relations with Russia”—which presumably involves a lot of vodka and bear hugs.
Meanwhile, candidates like Renato Usatii, who’s had a rollercoaster ride mainstreaming from pro-Russian to waving the anti-Russian flag, are throwing shade at Sandu left and right. It’s almost as entertaining as a daytime soap opera. Who knew this little country could be so full of drama?
Now, about the “great absentee” Ilan Sor—talk about a party pooper! He’s under lock and key for massive financial fraud, and his absence is leaving a bit of a vacuum, which other candidates are keen to fill. They might even try to bring in his pro-Russian vibes from the shadows—like a ghost haunting the campaign trail.
In the background, Russian interference is apparently at an all-time high—because why not stir the pot a little more? Information campaigns and dodgy cash transfers are designed to sabotage Sandu’s pro-EU agenda. It’s wild to think that in 2024, some candidates are funding their campaigns more like they’re running underground businesses than legitimate election races. Shouldn’t it come with a side of graphic design to make it all look flashier?
Here’s a fun fact: they’ve introduced postal voting for the first time! Let’s hope the post office learns how to actually deliver mail on time—no pressure! Moldovan citizens in the US, Canada, and Northern Europe can now vote from afar. A sweet deal if you can spell “absentee ballot.”
So, as the drama unfolds and polling stations become the hottest venues in town, we’re left watching with popcorn in hand, wondering whether Sandu will come out unscathed or whether the majestic dance with Europe will stumble over a few missteps. One thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a highly entertaining ride!
