Moldovans vote in tense election on EU future

Moldova President Maia Sandu addresses the media after casting her vote for the presidential election at a polling station in Chisinau November 3, 2024. [AFP]

Moldovans were voting on Sunday in a tense presidential election runoff that could decide whether the ex-Soviet country continues on a pro-European path or tilts back toward Russia's influence.

The election in the small nation sandwiched between war-torn Ukraine and the EU is taking place amid fears of Russian interference, and just two weeks after a referendum on joining the European Union passed by a razor-thin margin.