Eleven candidates, including incumbent, to compete in Moldova presidential vote

FILE PHOTO: Moldovan incumbent President and candidate in the upcoming presidential election Maia Sandu attends a campaign rally in Chisinau, Moldova September 20, 2024. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo

CHISINAU (Reuters) - A record 11 candidates have been approved for Moldova's presidential poll next month, electoral officials said on Tuesday, including incumbent Maia Sandu, who portrays the contest as a test of her drive to join the European Union.

Sandu leads opinion polls against 10 challengers, led by dismissed prosecutor general Alexander Stoianoglo, backed by pro-Russian opposition parties, and Renato Usatii, who favours good links with both the West and Moscow.