Moldovans vote in presidential elections

3/11/2024 17:36

        Moldovans were voting on Sunday in a presidential election that has been overshadowed by meddling allegations and could see Moscow claw back influence in the country at a time when it is trying to draw closer to the European Union.
        
        Pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu, who has accelerated the nation's push to leave Moscow's orbit and join the EU, faces Alexandr Stoianoglo, an ex-prosecutor general backed by the traditionally pro-Russian Socialist Party.
        
        The fortunes of Sandu, who set Moldova on the long path of EU accession talks in June, will be closely followed in Brussels a week after Georgia, another ex-Soviet state hoping to join, re-elected a ruling party seen as increasingly pro-Russian.
        
        Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.
        
        Moldova's future has been thrown into the political and diplomatic spotlight as the war in neighbouring Ukraine rages to the east.