On October 20, 2024, the Republic of Moldova will be holding presidential elections and a referendum on the country's accession to the European Union, Paralel.Az reports citing BTA.

The President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, who represents the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), currently has a significant lead in the election race, far ahead of any of her 10 opponents, a CBS-AXA poll showed.

Election forecast

The CBS-AXA polling agency gave Sandu 36.1% support. Her top two opponents, according to the poll, are former Moldovan prosecutor general Alexandru Stoianoglo backed by the traditionally pro-Russian Party of Socialists, with 10.1%, and Renato Usatii, a former mayor of the northern city of Balti, with 7.5%.

The first round of voting will take place on October 20. If none of the 11 candidates wins over 50% of the votes, there will be a runoff on November 3.

EU membership referendum

In May 2024, Moldova's Parliament, where Sandu's ruling PAS party has a majority, scheduled a referendum - to be held in conjunction with the October 20 presidential elections - on whether the country should amend its Constitution to include the Moldovan citizens' wish for European Union membership.

In the CBS-AXA poll, 63% supported joining the EU. The results of the plebiscite will be considered valid if at least one third of the voters participate.