Moldova votes for president, EU path amid Russian interference allegations
Al Jazeera
As the war in neighbouring Ukraine rages, the twin votes will determine if the former Soviet republic leaves Russia’s orbit and embarks on the long process of EU accession talks.
Moldovans are voting in a presidential election and a European Union referendum that will determine whether the country, which neighbours Ukraine, remains on a pro-Western path amid allegations of Russian interference.
The twin votes on Sunday are taking place at a critical time as Moldova is vying to join the EU and amid allegations of meddling by Russia.
As the war in Ukraine continues unabated since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the former Soviet republic is hoping to leave Moscow’s orbit and embark on the long process of EU accession talks.
Polls indicate that the West-aligned incumbent, Maia Sandu, has a sizeable lead over her 10 rivals on the ballot.
The race will go to a November 3 run-off if she fails to reach the 50 percent threshold needed for an outright win. Sandu, from the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), would likely face Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general backed by the traditionally pro-Russian Party of Socialists, if the vote goes to a second round.
