Bucharest, Oct 20, (dpa/GNA) – Torn between the West and Russia, Moldova has set the course for its future with a presidential election, and an EU referendum, with polls closed as of 9 pm (1800 GMT) on Sunday.
Voting passed peacefully, and there was a high turnout, according to the electoral commission in the capital Chi?inau.
The counting of votes has begun in the country of 2.5 million inhabitants, which, like neighbouring Ukraine, is a candidate for EU membership.
President Maia Sandu of the pro-Western Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), is hoping as the favourite for a second term in the neighbouring country to EU member Romania.
Because she had 10 competitors for the role, a run-off in two weeks with the runner-up is considered likely.
The 52-year-old head of state was reportedly leading in the polls before the election, with about 36% approval.
In second place was the former attorney general, Alexandr Stoianoglo, as a candidate from the traditionally strong Socialist Party of pro-Russian ex-president Igor Dodon.
GNA
