Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu has won a second term in a pivotal presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly opponent, in a race that was overshadowed by claims of Russian interference,

Moldovans cast votes in a decisive presidential runoff Sunday that pits pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu against a Russia-friendly opponent, as ongoing claims of voter fraud and intimidation threaten democracy in the European Union candidate country.

Moldova's pro-Western President Maia Sandu faces an uphill struggle to win a second term in an election runoff on Sunday in which her defeat could allow Moscow to gain more influence in a diplomatic battleground between Russia and the European Union.

Moldovans vote on Sunday in a presidential runoff that has been overshadowed by election meddling allegations and could see Moscow gain more influence in a diplomatic battleground between Russia and the European Union.

Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu appeared set to win a second term in office with a narrow victory against her Russia-friendly opponent, electoral data suggested Sunday, as the pivotal vote in the European Union candidate country was counted following claims of voter fraud,

Moldovan President Maia Sandu declared victory in a crucial election on Sunday, a win that would bolster her ambition to steer the former Soviet republic into the European Union by the end of the decade.

Moldova has told several EU nations that it believes Russia will try to disrupt voting by Moldovan expatriates at polling stations abroad in Sunday's presidential election, a Moldovan government source said.

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