By Talha Ozturk
BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) — Voters in Moldova went to the polls on Sunday for a second round to elect city mayors and village administrations in 273 settlements.
Voting in the local elections began at 7 a.m. local time (0500GMT) and lasted 14 hours for approximately 2.76 million voters.
More than 1,000 local and approximately 400 international observers monitored the election process, with ballot counting beginning right after voting was complete.
Turnout was estimated to be 36.7%, according to preliminary data from the Moldovan Central Election Commission.
According to the Eastern European country's election law, the second round is valid only if 20% of registered voters in the regions participate.
More than 500 candidates competed for seats in local administrations, including some 56 who ran as independents, while the others were nominated from political parties.
The Central Election Commission reported that the polls were held with no serious violations.
In the first round of the local elections held on Nov. 5, voters chose 625 out of 898 city mayors and village administration heads.
In the capital Chisinau, 27 candidates ran for mayor. Incumbent Ion Cheban was re-elected with 50.62% of the vote.
Candidates nominated by the ruling party won the mayoralty in six of the country's 36 cities and the top administrative position in 240 villages.