Unpredictable results in the second round of Moldova's presidential election

On November 3, Moldovan voters went to the polls, deciding between pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu and challenger Alexandr Stoianoglo, who favors closer ties with Russia, in the second round of the country's presidential election.

A campaigner for Moldovan presidential candidate Viktor Yanukovych hands out leaflets on the street in Chisinau, Moldova, October 15. (Source: Reuters)

The vote, crucial to the country's future, comes after a close result in a referendum on joining the European Union (EU).

Incumbent President Maia Sandu, who supports EU membership, won 42.5% of the vote in the first round. The other candidate, Alexandr Stoianoglo, won 26%. Stoianoglo has now received the support of other candidates who failed in the first round. Therefore, analysts say the results of the presidential election in the second round will be very difficult to predict.

Polling stations open at 7:00 a.m. local time (12:00 p.m. Hanoi time) and close at 9:00 p.m. Preliminary results are expected within 1 hour.

Ms Sandu has submitted Moldova's application to join the EU in 2022. EU accession talks began in June.

Mr Stoianoglo, 57, said he also supported EU membership, but he pledged to voters a "balanced foreign policy" and would restore ties with Russia.

Moldovan voters are deeply polarized. Majorities in the capital Chisinau and several major cities support EU membership, while voters in rural areas and the Transnistria and Gagauzia regions are against it.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ket-qua-kho-doan-trong-vong-2-bau-cu-tong-thong-moldova-292445.html