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The Center for Independent Journalism (CIJ) together with the Independent Press Association (API) presented the fourth monitoring report regarding mass-media coverage during the electoral campaign. Experts found only a slight improvement in mass-media coverage of the election, with most media outlets continue to be biased and do not keep a balanced stance in relation to the electoral candidates. According to the report during the monitoring period — 14 to 20 October 2016 — the TV stations continued to favor or disadvantage specific candidates. // media-azi.md

Presidential candidate of PPEM, Iurie Leanca, decided to continue the electioral race. Iurie Leanca justified his decision by the risk that in case he withdraws, PSRM candidate Igor Dodon would win the presidential race in the first round. Independent presidential candidate Valeriu Ghiletchi also announced in a press conference that he too continues the electoral race. According to him, due to the last minute withdrawal of the Democratic Party candidate Marian Lupu, voters are confused and “my withdrawal would from the election would leave a large number of voters with no choice options”. // IPN

The presidential candidate Maia Sandu declared within a press-conference that she was targeted by a series of fake information published in the press lately. “These days there have been several untruths published in the media: it is not true that I promised someone to bring Syrian migrants to Moldova, it is not true that yesterday I met with Plahotniuc, I never talked to him; it is not true that I banned icons in schools” stated the presidential candidate, adding that after the withdrawal of Marian Lupu from the presidential race she did not reject democrat party voters’ support, but rather the support of Plahotniuc. // IPN

A video published online, shows Metropolitan Vladimir urging Christians to vote for Igor Dodon the leader of Socialists Party,. Metropolitan praise highly about the socialist presidential candidate, noting that Dodon is a true Christian and has “proved this not only during the election campaign.” // Agora

Ex-presidential candidate, Artur Croitor urges voters to go to the polling stations on October 30, and damage they ballot so that it is pronounced invalid upon counting. Thus, in his opinion, this will lead to the second round of the elections, where civil society will have a greater chance to better communicate with the two remaining candidates. // IPN

Former presidential candidate, Vasile Tarlev, urged voters to vote for Igor Dodon. Vasile Tarlev said that of all competitors Igor Dodon it is the candidate best suited for the position of President of the Republic of Moldova and has the best electoral program. // IPN

Independent presidential candidate Maia Laguta says that recent events on the political arena are nothing but games, and the hints that certain candidates have the best chances to win, are simply attempts to manipulate the voters. The activist said in a press conference that she is the only enduring candidate, which has the support of the people. // Radio Chisinau

Presidential elections in Moldova must be “fair, with no doubts cast, and without blemish” but no one should expect that the new country’s leader will be “a Superman or Superwoman” because the Moldovan political system provides limited powers to the President, declared MEP Andi Cristea, in an interview with Agerpres. He pointed to the fact that it is natural to see lots of “passion” during the election campaign given the “stakes” of this election, these being “sort of a lightning rod for the legitimate disappointment and frustration that exists in society.” // Agerpres