Moldova begins preparations for upcoming referendum on EU membership

Moldovans will vote twice on Sunday – first, in the country's presidential election, and then in a long anticipated referendum on EU membership.

The Central Electoral Commission in Chisinau (CEC) printed around 5.6 million ballot papers for the presidential election and constitutional referendum on Tuesday, which will be distributed to polling stations throughout the country and in diaspora.

For the first time, the ballot papers will be available not only in Romanian, but also in five languages of ethnic minorities: Russian, Ukrainian, Gagauz, Bulgarian and Romani.

The outcome of the referendum will determine whether EU accession will become a constitutional goal. In the referendum, 12 parties signed up with the “YES” option and two with the “NO” option. A "YES" vote will change Moldova’s constitution.

A "YES" could lead to further tensions between the pro-Western leadership and the Moscow-leaning breakaway region of Transnistria in the country's east, where pro-Russian separatists rule. Around 2,000 Russian soldiers are still present in Transnistria.

To further complicate things, Moldova has accused Moscow of interfering in the upcoming referendum, alleging it has poured funds to turn people against it and influence the vote.

Incumbent Moldovan President Maia Sandu — who is running for re-election — has been a vocal supporter of Moldova's EU membership. Sandu's 2020 election was viewed as a democratic turning point for many. The 51-year-old was an economist at the World Bank before going into politics.

According to recent polls, Sandu is leading the presidential race, as well as a "YES" outcome in the referendum.