You're reading: Sevciuk: Transdniestria interested in normal relations between Moldova, Russia

TIRASPOL – The unrecognized Moldovan Transdniestrian Republic is interested in a fair outcome of the second round of presidential elections in Moldova, Transdniestrian President Evgheni Sevciuk said.

“Moldova will hold presidential elections on November 13. Surely, we understand in Transdniestria that Moldovan residents would have to make a choice essentially between a pro-Russian and a pro-Western candidate. It’s important to make sure that the true will of Moldovan citizens is heard and that the winter is the one really supported by a majority,” Sevciuk said on Transdniestrian television on Friday evening.

“It is in our best interests that our neighbors should have stability and wellbeing and that relations should develop normally between Moldova and Russia, which plays a paramount role in maintaining peace and stability on the banks of the Dniester river,” Sevciuk said.

Moldova will hold the second round of presidential elections on Sunday. Running for the office will be Igor Dodon representing the pro-Russian Party of Socialists of Moldova (PSRM) and Maia Sandu, a candidate nominated by several rightwing pro-European parties. Competing with another seven candidates in the first round, Dodon garnered 47.98% and Sandu 38.71% of the vote.

A number of experts suggested that the outcome of the second round would depend on how many voters each candidate could mobilize. Analysts believe that Dodon is likely to win if the voter turnout is relatively low, like it was in the first round, in which 49.18% of the eligible voters cast their ballots. If the voter turnout in the second round is higher than 60%, Sandu is believed to have better chances to win.

Moldovan law does not set minimum voter turnout validating the elections during the second round, and therefore, in order to be elected president, a candidate only has to garner more votes than his or her rival.