Chișinău, Moldova - October 20, 2024

Moldovans headed to the polls on Sunday to vote in the presidential election and a referendum on whether the country should join the European Union (EU).

The country's Central Electoral Commission (CEC) announced in a press release on Sunday that 2,219 polling stations would be open to approximately 3.3 million voters from from 07:00 until 21:00 local time.

According to the CEC, the polls are being monitored by 2,061 observers, including 1,277 national and 784 international observers.

Under the country's constitution, a candidate must win an absolute majority to be elected as president; otherwise, the two candidates with the most votes proceed to a runoff. A possible runoff is slated to be held on Nov 3.

Eleven candidates are competing for the presidency, but two have emerged as frontrunners.

Maia Sandu, the current pro-European president, is seeking re-election, promising to bring Moldova closer to the EU. Her main rival is former Prosecutor General Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is backed by the Party of Socialists.

Besides choosing a president, Moldovans are also casting their votes in a referendum on whether the goal of joining the EU should be enshrined in the country's constitution.

At a polling station in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, some voters expressed concerns about the economy, corruption, and the future direction of the country.

Shotlist:
Chisinau, Moldova - Oct 20, 2024:
1. Voters walking to polling station;
2. Various of voters, election officials, voter registering to vote;
3. SOUNDBITE (Romanian, dubbed in English) Lurie, voter (full name not given):
"The kids are the most important ones. They need to be sure of tomorrow. We are not sure of anything right now.";
4. SOUNDBITE (Russian, dubbed in English) Ecaterina, voter (full name not given):
"I vote for peace, for wealth, for goodness, for peace in the whole world.";
5. Various of voters placing their ballots into ballot box;
6. Signs reading "Republica Moldova" (Republic of Moldova), "Comisia Electorala Centrala" (Central Electoral Commission), coat of arms of Moldova;
7. Various of voting instructions posted on wall inside polling station.

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