Presidential elections in Moldova: results.

Presidential elections in Moldova and referendum on EU accession

On Sunday, October 20, presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on the country's accession to the European Union took place in Moldova. This information was shared by FREEDOM channel correspondent Larisa Petruk.

A total of 1,957 polling stations operated throughout Moldova during the day. Moldovan citizens residing abroad also had the opportunity to vote in 37 countries worldwide, including for the first Time in the US, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.

The Central Election Commission reported that by midday, voter turnout was 39.5%. The most active were citizens aged 56 to 65 - they accounted for approximately 22% of all voters.

Observers noted some violations during the voting, such as voter bribery in Transnistria and the presence of campaign materials at some polling stations. Voters who photographed their ballots, which is contrary to the law, were also noticed. Violations are subject to a fine of up to 1,500 lei.

The presidential elections and referendum took place against the backdrop of Kremlin interference in the country's internal affairs. Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister Kristina Gerasimova stated that Russia spent nearly 100 million euros on an oligarch Ilan Shor's agent network, pro-Russian rallies, and propaganda.

According to opinion polls, there is currently no candidate who would receive the necessary 50% of the votes to win in the first round. Polling stations will be open until 9:00 pm, after which the vote count will begin.

The leader in the polls is the current president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, who is ahead of her competitors - former Prosecutor General Alexandr Stoianoglo and Renato Usatii, who advocates for balancing relations with the West and Russia.

Earlier information emerged about Kremlin financing of destabilization in Moldova.