Moldovans living abroad voted in record numbers in a presidential runoff that secured victory for pro-Western President Maia Sandu.

Moldovans vote on Sunday in a presidential runoff that has been overshadowed by election meddling allegations and could see Moscow gain more influence in a diplomatic battleground between Russia and the European Union.

On November 1, the police of Moldova executed more than 60 searches in a number of settlements and the autonomous region of Gagauzia. — Ukrinform.

Moldova's pro-EU incumbent Maia Sandu has won a tense presidential runoff, beating her rival backed by a pro-Russian party in what she described as a 'lesson in democracy'. The election in the ex-Soviet republic that lies between Ukraine and the European Union has been overshadowed by allegations of meddling by Moscow.

Moldovan voters recognize the geopolitical nature of this runoff election. The shared border with Ukraine, its active fighting against Russian aggression, and a pro-western Romania which has become an alternative source of oil and gas present viable alternatives.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu pulled out a decisive election victory in the former Soviet republic on Sunday, defying Russian efforts to disrupt the ballot and revive her push to steer the country into the European Union by the end of the decade.

T here were deep sighs of relief in the capitals of western Europe as well as among liberal-minded reformers in Chisinau, Moldova’s capital, when Maia Sandu, the country’s incumbent president, was re-elected on November 3rd.

Moldova's pro-European Union leader, President Maia Sandu, has claimed victory over pro-Russian challenger Alexandr Stoianoglo in a presidential runoff marred by Kremlin interference.

Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu has won a second term in a pivotal presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly opponent, in a race that was overshadowed by claims of Russian interference,