The Republic of Moldova, which has been an independent state for 34 years, will elect its 12th parliament today since declaring independence, BTA reported.
The elections are being held at a crucial time for Moldova, which is a candidate for EU membership but is in close proximity to the war in Ukraine and, according to Moldovan authorities, is regularly subjected to pressure and hybrid attacks from Moscow.
The polls have shown a tight race between pro-European and pro-Russian forces. The main contenders are the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), founded by President Maia Sandu, and the opposition Patriotic Bloc, made up of four pro-Russian parties. Maia Sandu's party could lose the parliamentary majority it has enjoyed since 2021, amid voter concerns over the high cost of living, rising poverty and sluggish economic growth. Analysts say the need to govern in a coalition could hamper the PDS's efforts to join the EU by 2030.
A total of 22 parties, coalitions and independent candidates are registered to take part in the vote.
Nearly 3.3 million people are eligible to vote, including Moldovans living abroad.
Nearly 2,300 polling stations will be opened, including 301 abroad. Twelve stations will be opened in Transnistria – a separatist pro-Russian region that declared independence in 1992. However, it is not recognized by any country in the world, including Russia, which maintains a contingent of about 1,500 soldiers there.
In 10 countries, for the first time, voting in parliamentary elections can be done by mail.