Recent public opinion polling by NDI in Moldova shows that economic issues–such as unemployment, corruption and poverty–continue to dominate Moldovans’ concerns for the country.

A large majority of respondents are dissatisfied with the level of information they have regarding the country’s economy (75 percent) and national security (71 percent). This suggests that the government and parties need to do a better job communicating with citizens, including on issues such as the European Union Association Agreement, a key foreign policy priority of the current government.

Underscoring the opportunity that exists for parties that can effectively describe their policy solutions to citizens, the survey showed most voters are still deciding for whom to vote in parliamentary elections scheduled for Nov. 30. Only 29 percent of respondents are firmly committed to voting for a particular party.

The poll also revealed a shift in Moldovans’ stance on international relations. Support for a pro-Russian foreign policy dropped from 46 percent to 28 percent between February and June, a period coinciding with Russian aggression in Ukraine. The poll also showed that nearly half of Moldovans (47 percent) believe the country’s association agreement with the European Union is beneficial for the country, and negative sentiment toward the agreement has fallen 9 points since February.

In early August, NDI held consultations with key political party and government leaders to present the results of the public opinion research.

NDI conducts periodic opinion research in Moldova with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The polling is part of a larger effort to help the Moldovan government and political parties better understand and respond to the needs and concerns of Moldovan citizens. Read the full poll results here.

Published Sept. 3, 2014