Moldovans voted in two elections Sunday that could determine whether the European Union candidate country remains on a pro-Western path or swivels toward Moscow.
The presidential election and a referendum about European Union accession come amid allegations that Russia has tried to undermine the electoral process and pay off voters to return the ex-Soviet republic to Moscow’s orbit.
Incumbent President Maia Sandu was the favorite to secure another term in office in a presidential race of eleven. Voters will also choose “yes” or “no” in a referendum on whether to enshrine in the country’s constitution membership of the 27-nation EU.
Polls by WatchDog, a Chisinau-based think tank, showed a clear majority of more than 50% support the EU path. The referendum needs a one-third turnout to be valid which it already reached before polls closed.
If Sandu fails to win an outright majority Sunday, a runoff will be held on Nov. 3, which would likely pit her against Alexandr Stoianoglo, a Russia-friendly former prosecutor general who is polling at around 10%.
Chisinau says Moscow has intensified an alleged “hybrid war” campaign to destabilize the country and derail its EU path.
Officials and other investigations say the Kremlin has funded pro-Moscow opposition groups, spreading disinformation, meddling in elections and backing a major vote-buying scheme.
VIDEO | Moldova says hundreds of its citizens were trained in Russia to stage riots back home
