The EPP Group today urged all Moldovan pro-European political parties to put forward a common candidate for the upcoming presidential elections on 30 October.

“Those Moldovan political parties who see the future of their country in association with the European Union have to consolidate to support one candidate. There are clear indications that Maia Sandu has the highest trust within society”, stated Sandra Kalniete MEP, Vice-Chairwoman of the EPP Group responsible for Eastern Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Cristian Preda MEP, EPP Group Spokesman for Foreign Affairs, and Laima Andrikienė MEP, Member of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

“We urge others from the pro-European parties to withdraw from the presidential race and encourage their supporters to vote for the joint candidate”, they said.

Laima Andrikieniė continued: "Maia Sandu was the candidate with the highest credentials for fighting corruption and undertaking the most urgent reforms so badly needed in Moldova."

Cristian Preda also insisted on the correctness of the upcoming vote. "It is crucial that the forthcoming presidential elections are free and fair. We are watching carefully in the EU for any infractions to the electoral process and we expect the authorities not to tolerate any attempts of fraud, particularly in the regions", he said.

All three were part of an EPP Group delegation which travelled to Moldova this week. The mission held meetings with the President and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, European Ambassadors to the Republic of Moldova, representatives of NGOs as well as the representatives of the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova.