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Явка на президентских выборах в Молдавии превысила 40%

Moldovan Presidential Election Turnout Exceeds 40%

Early Results Indicate Close Race

Voter turnout in Moldova's presidential election has surpassed 40%, according to preliminary results released by the Central Electoral Commission (CEC). With over 80% of polling stations reporting, the turnout stands at 43.7%, slightly higher than the 43.2% recorded in the 2016 presidential election.

Early results suggest a close race between incumbent President Igor Dodon and his main challenger, Maia Sandu, a former prime minister. Dodon is currently leading with 33.4% of the vote, followed by Sandu with 30.5%. The remaining candidates have received significantly lower vote shares, with the third-placed candidate, Renato Usatii, trailing far behind with 16.8%.

High Stakes and International Scrutiny

The presidential election is seen as a crucial test for Moldova's democracy and its relations with the European Union and Russia. Dodon, a pro-Russian candidate, has promised to strengthen ties with Moscow and pursue a more independent foreign policy. Sandu, on the other hand, has campaigned on an anti-corruption platform and pledged to align Moldova more closely with the European Union.

The election is also being closely monitored by international observers, who have raised concerns about allegations of electoral irregularities. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has deployed a team of observers to monitor the voting process and will issue a report on the conduct of the election.

Second Round Likely

With no candidate expected to secure an outright majority in the first round, a second round of voting is likely to be held on November 15. The top two candidates from the first round will face off in the runoff election, and the candidate who receives the most votes will be declared the winner.

The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Moldova's political landscape and its foreign policy orientation. The results are expected to be announced later today.