Polls close in Moldovan run-off amid claims of Russian interference

Polls have closed for Moldova's presidential run-off election amid accusations of Russian interference by the country's president, Maia Sandu, and her national security adviser Stanislav Secrieru.

Voter turnout in the country torn between the European Union and Russia was higher than in the first round on October 20, with preliminary results expected later in the evening. There are no exit polls or forecasts.

Sandu is running for a second term, but failed to secure an absolute majority in the first round of voting a fortnight ago. She garnered 42.45% of votes on October 20, leading the pack of a total of 11 candidates.

Her biggest rival and former attorney general Alexandr Stoianoglo, the pro-Russian candidate, came in second with 25.98%.

Despite the considerable margin between Sandu and Stoianoglo, the outcome of Sunday's run-off vote is considered open.

Earlier in the day, Secrieru wrote on X: "We’re 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. Authorities are on high alert."

Secrieru accused Russia of massive electoral interference, claiming it poses a risk of distorting the results.

He reported illegal voter transport from the Russian-controlled region of Transnistria and organized transport from Russia to locations such as Baku, Istanbul and Minsk.

He shared a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows individuals holding their Moldovan passports on a plane heading to Minsk.

Complaints arose over limited polling stations in Moscow, as only 10,000 ballots were allocated for Moldovans living in Russia.

Sandu also warned of vote buying and electoral fraud before the polls closed.

"Thieves want to buy our votes and our country, but the power of the people is infinitely stronger than all their machinations," the 52-year-old pro-European politician told local media when she cast her vote in the capital, Chișinău.

Moldova, a largely agricultural country situated between Romania and Ukraine, is a candidate for EU membership like Ukraine.

While Sandu is considered the favourite to win the presidency, she has also faced criticism over lack of economic and social progress in the country of about 2.5 million residents.

Stoianoglo, 57, plans for Moldova to both pursue the path to EU accession and maintain good economic ties with Russia. His opponents consider him to be a puppet of corrupt oligarchs.

Security authorities in Chișinău recently said they had uncovered a cash-for-votes scheme by pro-Russian forces in advance of the October 20 vote.

Despite this, a referendum to enshrine the country's EU orientation in the constitution of Moldova, scheduled by Sandu for the same day as the first round of voting, was narrowly backed by voters.

Thousands of Moldovans living abroad — mainly in the EU - as well as those living within the breakaway region of Transnistria were also able to vote in the second round.