With 3.28 million people eligible to vote, 2,000 polling stations across the country opened at 7:00 a.m. (0500 GMT) and will close by 9:00 p.m. (1900 GMT), according to the Central Election Commission.

The latest polls showed that the pro-Western PAS is credited with the most votes, followed the electoral bloc EBCS, which brings together the Party of Communists and the Party of Socialists, two parties favoring friendly ties with Russia.

To have seats in the unicameral assembly, where 101 lawmakers are elected for four-year terms, each political party must exceed 7% of the vote.

Before the vote, the PAS appeared to be in the lead, with latest polls reporting a 35-37% of the vote.

However, the socialist and communist bloc EBCS led by former President Vladimir Voronin is supported by 21 to 27% of the votes.

In polling stations, voters must wear face masks and must be temperatured in an attempt to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

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