Moldova's ruling pro-EU party wins elections

Moldova's ruling pro-Western party is on track for a decisive victory and a fresh majority in parliament after a crucial election riven with allegations of Russian interference, reports CNN.

Before the vote, President Maia Sandu warned that Russia had spent "hundreds of millions of Euros" in a bid to sway the result, seen as crucial for the former Soviet state's future path to the European Union (EU).

But with more than 99% of votes counted early Monday, Sandu's Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) had secured more than 50% of the vote, far ahead of the pro-Russian opposition Patriotic Bloc with under 25%. If confirmed, PAS will retain its majority in Moldova's 101-seat legislature.

Igor Dodan, head of the Patriotic Bloc and Sandu's predecessor as president, has called for protests on Monday outside the parliament in the capital Chisinau. Before the vote, Moldovan authorities warned of the risk of disruption and street violence once polls closed.

Casting her vote on Sunday, Sandu said there was "a lot at stake" for Moldova, and that she hoped the country "will have the chance to continue to strengthen its democracy, to protect its space, and to continue its EU integration path."

President Maia Sandu is targeting EU membership for Moldova within the next five years and warned of dangerous consequences if Russian influence prevailed in the country of 2.4 million, which borders Ukraine.

Although Sandu won widespread praise for helping Moldova secure EU candidate status in 2023, some voters were frustrated with the pace of reform and spiralling gas prices, after Russia cut off supplies and Moldova sought new procurement deals with Romania.

But Sunday's election means both Sandu and her party have twice won elections by commanding margins, despite widespread claims of Russian meddling.