Everyone against Sandu: Will Moldovan elections lead to Russian comeback

This Sunday, October 20 , Moldova will hold presidential elections and a referendum on joining the EU .

What the candidates' chances are, and how a potential resurgence of pro-Russian forces might threaten the country.

For Ukraine , a potential loss for the current pro-European president, Maia Sandu , would undoubtedly mean the emergence of a new problem from the south.

Maia Sandu faces a group of pro-Russian candidates that cover most of the electoral spectrum.

The most likely candidate to advance would be Alexandr Stoianoglo, the former Prosecutor General of Moldova .

Sandu's team has announced a referendum on EU membership, to be held simultaneously with the first round of the elections.

The opposition is working to undermine the referendum using the same voter networks and aggressive propaganda.

Moldova 's political turbulence is expected to continue for at least another year .

Following the presidential vote, parliamentary elections will take place in the fall .

Maia Sandu’s PAS party has reached an electoral ceiling of 30-33% , meaning it will need allies to form a coalition.