Incumbent President Maia Sandu was registered as a contestant in the presidential election of October 20, nominated by the Party of Action and Solidarity. A decision to this effect was approved today by the Central Election Commission, IPN reports.

CEC member Vadim Filipov said that the initiative group in support of Maia Sandu submitted to the Commission 840 subscription lists with 25,000 signatures collected from 31 administrative-territorial units of the second level. Also, during the collection of signatures in support of the PAS candidate, the signatures of 82 people were collected through the “Electronic Subscription Lists” system. They were included in 17 electronic subscription lists.

“1,154 signatures of supporters were declared invalid. Thus, out of the total of 19,734 signatures processed, 18,580 signatures were classed as valid. According to the Electoral Code, in order to be registered by the CEC, all the candidates for the office of President submit subscription lists containing the signatures of at least 15,000 and at most 25,000 voters from at least half of the number of administrative-territorial units of the second level,” stated Vadim Filipov.

Maia Sandu is the second candidate registered in the presidential race. Former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is supported by the Party of Socialists, was registered as a candidate earlier.

Under the Electoral Code, the office of President does not fall under the legal provisions on the suspension from office during the election campaign.

In total, the Central Election Commission registered 13 initiative groups in support of candidates for President. The subscription lists with signatures are to be submitted by September 20.