Moldovans have 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, first made by Moldova's authorities, were echoed by pro-EU President Maia Sandu, who stated that the future of her country—flanked by Ukraine and Romania—was in danger.
Partial results will emerge in the coming hours, with the electoral commission reporting a turnout of just under 52% by 21:00 (18:00 GMT).
Two political forces are almost neck and neck in the race: Sandu's Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) and the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc.
Over 267,000 voters in the largely pro-Western diaspora made their voices heard, while bomb scares were reported at polling stations in Italy, Romania, Spain, and the U.S.
Amidst rising prices and corruption, President Sandu emphasized that the future of democracy rests in the voters' hands: Don't play with your vote or you'll lose everything! If PAS loses its majority in the 101-seat parliament, they would need to seek support from other parties, including the Alternativa bloc or the populist Our Party.
As tension surrounds the elections, police reported unprecedented attempts by Russia to spread disinformation and buy votes. Arrests have been made concerning individuals accused of training for unrest coordination.
In Transnistria, a pro-Russian enclave, voters face logistical challenges but maintain a relatively relaxed atmosphere in the long lines to cast their ballots.
