Moldovans living abroad voted in record numbers in a presidential runoff that secured victory for pro-Western President Maia Sandu in a pivotal race against a Russia-friendly opponent amid ongoing claims of Russian interference,

Moldova's pro-EU incumbent Maia Sandu has won a tense presidential runoff, beating her rival backed by a pro-Russian party in what she described as a 'lesson in democracy'. The election in the ex-Soviet republic that lies between Ukraine and the European Union has been overshadowed by allegations of meddling by Moscow.

Moldova's pro-EU President Maia Sandu on Sunday pulled ahead of her rival backed by a pro-Russian party, with almost 95 percent of the votes counted, in a tense presidential runoff

East vs. West Influence at Stake On Sunday, Moldova holds a significant presidential runoff between pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu and Alexandr Stoianoglo, a pro-Russian

Moldovan voters recognize the geopolitical nature of this runoff election. The shared border with Ukraine, its active fighting against Russian aggression, and a pro-western Romania which has become an alternative source of oil and gas present viable alternatives.

Moldovans are casting votes in a decisive presidential runoff that pits pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu against Russia-friendly former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo

T here were deep sighs of relief in the capitals of western Europe as well as among liberal-minded reformers in Chisinau, Moldova’s capital, when Maia Sandu, the country’s incumbent president, was re-elected on November 3rd.

Moldova's pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu claimed victory at Sunday's closely-fought presidential election, defeating Alexandr Stoianoglo, her rival backed by the traditionally pro-Russian Socialist Party.

Moldova’s pro-Western president wins second term in office, in pivotal runoff overshadowed by Russian meddling claims