If parliamentary elections were held in Moldova next Sunday, three parties would enter the legislative body as a result of them: the Party of Socialists (PSRM), the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) and the Democratic Party (PDM). A poll conducted on behalf of the International Republican Institute (IRI) indicates the PSRM would gain 29 percent of the vote, the PAS – 21 percent and the PDM – 10 percent. The other parties would not pass the election threshold. The data was collected between November 16 and December 9, 2019, IPN reports.
The poll shows the most trusted politicians are President Igor Dodon and PAS leader Maia Sandu who were mentioned by 24 percent of the respondents from all over the country. At the level of Chisinau municipality, the PAS leader was mentioned by 32 percent of those surveyed, as opposed to 19 percent for Igor Dodon. The president of the Party “Dignity and Truth Platform” Andrei Năstase ranks third with 13 percent at national level and 16 percent at municipal level. The next are Parliament Speaker Zinaida Grechanyi, PDM leader Pavel Filip and Shor Party leader Ilan Shor.
Economic issues top the list of priorities that respondents would like to see the government address: low income (30 percent), unemployment (28 percent) and pensions (18 percent). Dissatisfaction with the economy appears to be linked to emigration, as 51 percent Moldovans report that they would “definitely” or “probably” go abroad if given the opportunity. Fifty-seven percent of those willing to emigrate cite the poor economic outlook and 23 percent name the lack of job opportunities as motivations for emigration.
The poll also shows a more positive perception of the relationship between Moldova and the United States since IRI’s last poll. Fifty-six percent of Moldovans consider U.S.-Moldovan relations to be “good”, compared to just 39 percent in IRI’s June 2019 poll. Perceptions of Moldova’s relationship with Europe also improved, with a 14 point increase in those who see relations with the European Union (EU) as “good.” This development corresponds with the continued interest in EU integration amongst Moldovans (56 percent “strongly” or “somewhat supporting”).
“Despite the governing coalition’s collapse, Moldovans are increasingly optimistic about political institutions and the integrity of local elections,” said IRI Regional Director for Eurasia Stephen Nix. “However, concerns over issues such as jobs and the cost of living suggest that the new government must prioritize economic improvements if it is to retain the confidence of the public.”
The sample consisted of 1,204 permanent residents of Moldova aged 18 and older and eligible to vote. The margin of error does not exceed plus or minus 2.8 percent.
