On 20 October 2024, the Republic of Moldova will hold presidential elections and a referendum on accession to the European Union. Possible EU accession and its potential consequences for Moldova are of central importance to voters and characterise the election campaign. Opinion polls suggest that the incumbent President Maia Sandu will win the elections, but it is likely that a second round of voting will be necessary. Polls also show that the majority of Moldovans are in favour of the referendum.
A crucial aspect in the current phase of the election campaign is the turnout required for the referendum. At least 33 per cent of voters must take part in the referendum for it to be valid. Although polls show support for EU accession, actual participation in the referendum is not guaranteed.
The pressing issue of ongoing disinformation campaigns continues to hang over the election campaign. Despite the recent blocking of several Telegram channels in Moldova that were spreading fake news, many Moldovans continue to be exposed to misleading information. Currently, disinformation campaigns propagate, among other things, the alleged sell-out of Moldovan farmland to foreign investors and the alleged redistribution of refugees from the EU to Moldova.
Building on the first local dialogue in Stefan Voda in mid-September, the second local dialogue took place in Falesti on 3 October 2024 as part of the CAPACITY4EU project. In addition to civil society representatives, the participants included representatives of local authorities and the administration.