Moldova's crucial election faces unexpected challenges from abroad

On this cold november sunday Moldovaʼs voters went to polls in a high-stakes run-off that might change their countrys direction. Maia Sandu‚ the pro-EU president faces Alexandr Stoianoglo‚ an ex-prosecutor (who many call pro-russian)

Security officials reported major issues with voting process: Russia has been flying-in voters from places like Baku and Istanbul to support their preferred candidate. “Weʼre seeing massive interference by Russia in our electoral process as Moldovans vote in the presidential run-off today‚ an effort with high potential to distort the outcome“ [[Stanislav Secrieru‚ national security adviser]]

The first-round results from early october showed Sandu getting 42% while Stoianoglo received 26% of votes; however analysts say the gap might close due to pro-russian parties joining forces

This small country of 3 million people — located between Romania and Ukraine — deals with complex issues: theres a significant russian-speaking population and the break-away region of Transnistria that Moscow controls since 90s. The situation gets more complicated as only 2 polling stations work in Russia where about 500000 moldovan citizens live

Officials also warn about possible bomb threats at voting places in Europe US and Britain: “The goal is to interrupt the voting process during the [bomb threat] evacuation and check by the police“ [[Moldovan official to European counterpart]]

The recent EU membership referendum barely passed with 50.35% support; showing how split the nation is about its future path. Stoianoglo might get extra votes from those who dont support Sanduʼs plan to join EU by 2030