Moldovan presidential election set for November 1

Chisinau, Moldova – The Central Election Commission of the Republic of Moldova has set the date for the next presidential election as November 1, 2020. This will be the sixth presidential election since Moldova gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

The incumbent president, Igor Dodon, is eligible to run for a second term. Dodon, a former leader of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), was elected in 2016. He is a controversial figure, with some accusing him of being pro-Russian and authoritarian.

The main opposition party, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), has yet to announce its candidate for the election. The party is led by Maia Sandu, a former prime minister who is seen as a pro-Western reformer.

Other potential candidates include Renato Usatyi, the leader of the Our Party, and Andrei Nastase, the leader of the Dignity and Truth Platform Party. Both Usatyi and Nastase are former mayors of Chisinau.

The presidential election is likely to be closely contested. Dodon is a popular figure among some voters, but he is also a polarizing figure. Sandu is seen as a more moderate candidate, but she may struggle to win over voters who are wary of her pro-Western views.

The outcome of the election will have a significant impact on Moldova's future. Dodon has promised to continue his pro-Russian policies, while Sandu has pledged to take Moldova on a more pro-Western path.

The election will also be closely watched by Russia and the European Union. Russia has been accused of interfering in previous Moldovan elections, and the EU is keen to see Moldova develop closer ties with the West.

The Central Election Commission has said that it is committed to ensuring a free and fair election. However, there are concerns that the election could be marred by fraud or violence.