The country is trying to free itself from Russian influence, which occupies the eastern part of the country (Transnistria) with a military presence.
Opinion polls show that the pro-Western current president Maia Sandu holds a comfortable lead over her ten rivals. However, if she fails to reach the 50% threshold, a second round will take place on November 3.
According to polls, she will likely face Alexandr Stoianoglo in the runoff, a former attorney general supported by the traditionally pro-Russian Party of Socialists.
Sandu hopes the referendum will yield a resounding 'yes'. The referendum will decide whether to include a clause in the constitution that sets EU accession as a goal.
Polls indicate a majority support joining the EU. However, five presidential candidates have urged their supporters to vote 'no' or boycott. For the referendum to be valid, at least one-third of eligible voters must participate. A weak result for Sandu could set the tone for next summer’s parliamentary elections.
The country, with fewer than 3 million inhabitants and bordered by Romania and Ukraine, has had alternating pro-Western and pro-Russian policies since the Soviet Union’s fall in 1991.
Relations with Moscow have worsened since Sandu took office in December 2020. Her government condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The election campaign has been overshadowed in recent weeks by allegations of interference. Police accuse Ilan Shor, a fugitive magnate living in Russia, of bribing at least 130,000 voters to cast a 'No' vote.
Shor, who is under Western sanctions, has openly offered to pay Moldovans. Russia denies interfering in Moldova and has long accused the government of 'Russophobia.'