Moldova went to the polls on Sunday in a crucial parliamentary election that will help determine whether the impoverished ex-Soviet country pursues integration with Europe or returns to Russia's fold. Polling stations opened at 7:00 am (0500 GMT), with voters facing a choice between political parties aiming for membership in the European Union and those that back joining Russia in a customs union.
That decision comes as Russia and the European Union are locked in a tug-of-war for influence across the region and against the deadly backdrop of a pro-Russian separatist movement in the east of strongly pro-Western neighbouring Ukraine.
Moscow does not want to part ways with Moldova, a former Soviet satellite where it has troops stationed in the Russian-speaking separatist region of Transdniestr, while the European Union is keen to make Moldova a symbol of its own soft power strength. Prime Minister Iurie Leanca who backs European integration told Moldovans as he cast his vote in the town of Yaloveny that they must ensure the country's European future.
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