Moldovans to decide future within EU or with Russia in pivotal election

Moldovans are due to vote tomorrow in a pivotal parliamentary election that will determine whether the country of 2.4 million continues on its path towards joining the EU or drift back into Moscow’s orbit, with widespread reports of Russian meddling.

- Pjotr Sauer

The ruling Action and Solidarity party (PAS) of the pro-western president, Maia Sandu, which holds a majority, faces a stiff challenge from the Patriotic bloc, a pro-Russia, Soviet-nostalgic alliance led in part by the former president Igor Dodon.

“The results of these elections will define the country’s future not just for the next four years, but for many, many years ahead,” said Igor Grosu, the head of PAS, who is likely to be appointed prime minister if his party gains a majority.