Direct presidential elections start in Moldova

Chisinau, 30 October /MOLDPRES/- Direct presidential elections started in Moldova today. Citizens will have to choose between nine candidates for the president position.

About 2,000 polling stations were opened at 07:00 and will be closed at 21:00. Almost 2.8 million citizens are expected at the ballot boxes. Over 3.1 million ballot papers were prepared for the presidential elections.

The ballot paper has a length of over 300 mm and includes a number of 10 quadrilaterals, each of them has the electoral symbol of contender, name of electoral candidate written in capital letters and space for stamping of voting.

Citizens with voting rights staying abroad can vote at the 100 polling stations in 33 countries, 40 of them are operating in the diplomatic missions’ headquarters, and 60 ones in other locations. Most polling stations are opened in Italy – 25, Romania – 11, Russia – 8, USA – 7, France – 6, Portugal and Spain – 4 etc.

At the same time, other 30 polling stations were opened for Moldovans residing in the territorial-administrative units from the left bank of the Dniestre.

Citizens having no domicile or residence can vote at the station of the last domicile. The people will be obliged to sign a declaration saying they did not vote or will not vote at other polling station. Voters who will not be able to prove the place of residence of the past, will vote at any station in the country.

The polling stations are equipped with magnifying glasses in premiere in order to facilitate the voting process for poorly sighted people. At the same time, special systems for people with special needs are installed in more polling stations.

Over 3,700 national and international observers monitor the elections. At the same time, over 4,000 policemen will ensure public order near the polling stations in the country.

Nine candidates remained in the electoral race: Mihai Ghimpu – Liberal Party, Iurie Leanca – European People’s Party of Moldova, Dumitru Ciubasenco – Our Party, Maia Sandu – Action and Solidarity Party, the Dignity and Truth Platform Party, the Liberal Democratic Party, Igor Dodon – Party of Socialists, Silvia Radu – independent candidate, Maia Laguta – independent candidate, Ana Gutu – Right Party and Valeriu Ghiletchi – an independent candidate.

If none of them gather at least half of the votes, the runoff will take place in two weeks, when the citizens will choose between the two electoral contenders who will pick the highest number of votes in the first round.