Moldova's Future Hangs in Balance as Leader Blasts Russian Election Interference

Moldovans Await Pivotal Election Result as Leader Warns of Russian Interference CHISINAU, Moldova - Moldovans voted in parliamentary elections seen as critical for their future path to the European Union amid allegations of "massive Russian interference" before the vote. The claims were repeated by pro-EU President Maia Sandu, who warned voters that their democracy was young and fragile. According to preliminary results, turnout by the end of voting at 21:00 (18:00 GMT) was just under 52%. Two political forces are seen as almost neck and neck in the race: Sandu's Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) and the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc. The PAS has been campaigning on a platform of closer ties with the EU, while the Patriotic Electoral Bloc has emphasized its commitment to maintaining good relations with Russia. Sandu told reporters outside a polling station in Chisinau that "our democracy is young and fragile, and we are facing external threats." She added that "Russia's actions endanger our country's sovereignty and independence." The allegations of Russian interference have been made by Moldova's security forces, who claimed to have uncovered evidence of attempts to influence the outcome of the election. The claims were repeated by Sandu, who said that "we will not allow external powers to undermine our democratic process." In a measure of the tension surrounding the vote, bomb threats were reported at several polling stations across the country. However, there were no reports of any actual explosions or violence. The diaspora community in Moldova has been actively involved in the election campaign, with more than 267,000 voters turning out to cast their ballots. The pro-Western diaspora is seen as a key factor in determining the outcome of the election. Partial results are expected to emerge in the coming hours. The electoral commission will begin counting votes and announcing preliminary results shortly after voting ended at 21:00 (18:00 GMT). The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Moldova's future path, with the country seeking closer ties with the EU. A victory for Sandu's PAS would likely strengthen the country's commitment to European integration, while a win for the Patriotic Electoral Bloc could lead to a shift towards greater cooperation with Russia. As the results begin to emerge, Moldovans will be watching closely to see which path their country will take. *Reporting by Bbc.*