Lawmakers from Moldovan President Maia Sandu's ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) on December 28 powered through a change to election laws to allow for a national referendum alongside a presidential election next autumn, a move that appears aimed at boosting turnout and mobilizing pro-EU backers. Sandu, who has made accelerating Moldova's EU bid a priority since Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine, proposed the change to the year-old Electoral Code. Sandu's reelection bid faces challenges including the drive for full energy independence from Russia and Moscow-backed separatism alongside a small Russian troop presence in Moldova's Transdniester region. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Moldovan Service, click here.
Sandu's Allies Amend Election Laws To Enable EU Referendum Alongside Moldova's Presidential Vote
Moldovan President Maia Sandu attends a rally and concert in Chisinau celebrating the European Union's decision to open membership talks with Moldova earlier this month.