IRI Moldova Poll Shows Strong Majority Plan to Vote in Presidential Election, Economic Concerns, Support for EU Economic Partnership

Chisinau, Moldova – A new poll in Moldova by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research (CISR) shows a strong majority of voters plan to cast a ballot in the presidential election this fall, concerns over the economy, and support its economic partnership with the European Union (EU).  

When asked about the presidential election later this year, 90% of adults said that they are very likely or somewhat likely to vote. An official election date has not been announced yet.

“Our survey is pointing to a very strong turnout for the election this fall,” said Stephen Nix, Senior Director for Eurasia at IRI. “These numbers demonstrate that the people of Moldova want to participate in a vibrant democracy.” 

The poll also shows that the economy is considered the most important issue. In Chisinau, Moldova’s capital city, 41% identify high prices and the cost of living as one of their top two concerns. Forty-three percent of people nationwide feel the same way.  

When asked about international relationships, 65% of adults believe the EU is among Moldova’s strongest economic partners.

“People clearly see the economic benefits of a partnership with the European Union,” said Nix. “Closer ties with the EU will allow Moldova to address their economic woes and help build a path to prosperity.” 

Methodology 

The survey was coordinated by Dr. Rasa Alisauskiene from Baltic Surveys/The Gallup Organization on behalf of the Center for Insights in Survey Research. The fieldwork was carried out by Magenta Consulting. Data was collected throughout Moldova (with the exception of Transnistria) between January 27 and February 22, 2024, through face-to-face interviews in respondents’ homes.  The main sample consisted of 1,247 permanent residents of Moldova aged 18 and older and eligible to vote and is representative of the general population by gender, region, and settlement size (urban/rural), according to the Moldova Statistical Databank from 2023.​    

The sample of residents of Chisinau Municipality consists of 740 permanent residents of Chisinau Municipality aged 18 and older. It is representative of the Chisinau Municipality population by gender and settlement size (urban/rural), according to the Moldova Statistical Databank from 2023.  ​   

The main sample was weighted for gender, region, and urbanicity and the Chisinau sample was weighted for gender and urbanicity according to the Moldova Statistical Databank from 20230. ​The margin of error of the main sample does not exceed plus or minus 2.8 percentage points. The margin of error for the mid-range of the sample of Chisinau Municipality does not exceed ±3.6 points. The response rate was 61 percent.​  

The survey was funded by the United States Agency for International Development

Up ArrowTop