Voters from seven settlements expected at polling stations for local elections, referendum on November 1

Eligible voters from seven settlements of Moldova today are expected at the polling stations for new local elections and a local referendum. Mayors will be elected in five localities, a new local council composition will be selected in one locality, while in another locality residents will decide whether to support the exploitation of mineral resources in the built-up area.

According to the Central Electoral Commission (CEC), mayoral elections are being held in the villages of Cairaclia and Novosiolovca, Taraclia district, the town of Costesti in Rascani district, the village of Hasnasenii Mari in Drochia district, and the village of Chirsova in the Autonomous Territorial Unit (UTA) of Gagauzia.

In the village of Tomai of UTA Gagauzia, voters will elect a new local council. Also today, a local referendum is held in the village of Delacau, Anenii Noi district, on the exploitation of mineral resources in the built-up area of the locality.

More than 18,000 voters are expected at the polls. The 12 polling stations will be open from 07:00 to 21:00.

A total of 18,251 ballot papers were printed for the elections, of which 5,679 in Romanian, 12,010 in Russian, 362 in Bulgarian, and 200 in Gagauz. The electoral process will be monitored by 23 national observers accredited by the CEC.

Voters who are unable to go to the polling station for health reasons or other valid reasons may request to vote using a mobile ballot box. On election day, requests may be approved by the electoral bureau until 14:00 upon presentation of a medical certificate.

On October 31, the Central Electoral Commission decided that voters from the seven localities would not be able to use digital versions of their identity documents generated through the government wallet EVO. Only physical identity documents will be accepted for identification at polling stations.