The polls in Moldova’s parliamentary elections have now closed.
The elections, which will be watched closely by Ukraine and Russia, have pit the governing pro-Western Party of Action and Solidarity, or PAS, which has held a strong majority since 2021, against several Russia-friendly opponents.
When polls closed locally at 9pm (7pm UK time), the Central Electoral Commission reported that more than 1.59 million, or about 51.9% of eligible voters had cast ballots.
This includes 264,000 Moldovans in polling stations set up abroad, which will remain open until 7pm in their respective countries.
Moldovan president, Maia Sandu, who wants the country to join the EU by 2030, earlier reiterated long-held claims that Russia has interfered with the election (see our 4.20pm post).
Moscow has always denied meddling and says the government is spreading anti-Russian hysteria to win votes.
We will bring you any result of the elections, here, as we get them.
Pro-EU party lead over Moscow-leaning opposition as counting continues in high-stakes Moldova election
