Moldova’s parliament has set the date for parliamentary elections on September 28, following a vote on Thursday. The election is anticipated to be closely contested and could reshape the current majority held by President Maia Sandu’s pro-European PAS party.

President Sandu continues to advocate for stronger ties with the European Union while steering the country away from Russian influence, which has historically played a significant role in the region nestled between Ukraine and Romania.

Alexander Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor-general who narrowly missed defeating Sandu in last year’s presidential election, is now at the forefront of a coalition of three parties aiming to reduce PAS’s dominance. His campaign promotes a more balanced foreign policy, seeking cooperation with both Russia and the West.

The decision to hold the vote on September 28 received backing from 57 lawmakers, while 32 chose not to participate in the vote.