CHISINAU: Moldovans voted on Sunday in parliamentary elections that could see Ukraine's neighbour swerve from its pro-European path back toward Moscow's orbit, with the government and the EU accusing Russia of interfering in the ex-Soviet country. The European Union candidate country, which has a pro-Russia breakaway region, has long been divided over whether to move closer with Brussels or maintain Soviet-era relations with Moscow.
Most surveys ahead of the vote showed the pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), in power since 2021, in the lead. But analysts say the race is far from certain. The ballot is overshadowed by fears of vote buying and unrest, as well as an "an unprecedented campaign of disinformation" from Russia, according to the EU. Moscow has denied the allegations.
Moldova's cybersecurity service said on Sunday it detected several attempts at attacks on the electoral infrastructure, which were "neutralised in real time... without affecting the availability or integrity of electoral services".
Pro-EU President Maia Sandu of PAS warned after casting her vote of a "massive interference of Russia", saying Moldova was "in danger" and "might lose everything it has won" posing "significant risk also for other countries like Ukraine". — AFP
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