Moldovan Parliamentary Elections: Socialist Party Leads

According to preliminary vote counting results, the pro-Russian Moldovan Socialist Party unexpectedly took the lead in the parliamentary election held on November 30.

Specifically, according to the preliminary results of the early parliamentary election in Moldova announced by the Central Election Commission after more than 80% of the votes were counted, the pro-Russian Socialist Party is leading with 22% of the votes. In second place is the pro-Western Liberal Democratic Party with 19% and in third place is the Communist Party of former President Vladimir Voronin with 18%.

A Moldovan citizen goes to vote (Photo: Reuters)

The victory of the Socialist Party has revealed deep divisions in Moldova, the smallest and poorest country in Europe. Will it continue its pro-European course as it has for the past five years, or return to a close relationship with Russia? These are questions that many people are interested in.

“You voted for a prosperous Moldova, united with a powerful Russia. I promise to always remember my duty to the voters and we will not disappoint you,” said Igor Dodon, Chairman of the Socialist Party of Moldova.

However, Mr Dodon refused to comment on the formation of a coalition government, saying it was too early to talk about it now.

With the preliminary results just announced, the Socialist Party and the Communist Party still do not have enough majority in the 101-seat National Assembly to form a coalition. Currently, 5 parties have met the 6% requirement to enter the National Assembly.

The election in Moldova this time attracted public attention because it took place in the context of neighboring Ukraine suffering from a deep conflict, stemming from the last-minute decision of former President Yanukovych to refuse to sign a free trade and association agreement with the European Union, EU. Moldova also signed a similar agreement with the EU last June. Russia voiced its opposition to this move, at the same time banning agricultural imports from Moldova.

According to VTV