Voting has begun in Moldova's parliamentary elections, as announced by the country's Central Electoral Commission.
Polling stations opened at 7:00 local time and will continue to receive voters until 21:00. The country's residents are set to determine the composition of parliament for the upcoming four-year term.
According to NewsMaker, 23 contenders are participating in the electoral race: fifteen parties, four electoral blocs, and four independent candidates.
For the elections to be considered valid, a minimum turnout of one-third of citizens registered on voter lists is required. Only participants who surpass the established thresholds will enter parliament: 5% for parties, 7% for blocs, and 2% for independent candidates.
The key competition is expected to unfold between the incumbent pro-European party "Action and Solidarity" and the Patriotic Bloc, which opposes Eurointegration.
President Maia Sandu has already cast her vote. She noted that she supported a parliament "capable of continuing the construction of a European Moldova."
These elections are the first following the presidential election and the referendum on joining the European Union held in October 2024. At that time, Maia Sandu and the course toward Eurointegration won with a minimal advantage.