MS cast their ballots on Sunday for their presidential pick
and for a say in whether the country should join
the European Union, it's a pivotal moment that could
bolster the small agricultural economy's drive to join the EU
. But allegations of election meddling by Russia have cast
a shadow over the vote as the war in Ukraine
rages to the east. The former Soviet Republic has
stepped up its push to escape Moscow's orbit and embarked
on the long process of eu accession talks. Polls
show pro Western Sandu has a comfortable lead over her
10 rivals on the ballot although the race could go
to a November 3rd run off if she fails to
reach the 50% threshold to win outright. Sandu urged
people to vote as she cast her ballot in the
capital Kishan. I voted for Moldova to be able
to develop in peace and freedom so that Moldova can
build wants and deserves. She said go out and
vote every vote counts. Polls show a majority support
joining the 27 nation bloc though five of the candidates
are against the referendum which will decide whether to insert
a cause into the constitution that defines eu accession as
a goal. They accuse Sandu S government of timing
the referendum to boost her election rival, Alexander Stoyanov
told reporters after voting on Sunday that he boycotted the
EU ballot. I do not support the position of
the current government which came up with this idea that's
not related to the European Union itself. This is
a referendum to change the constitution. But at the
same time, I am a supporter of Moldova's European
aspirations. The country's ties with Moscow have worsened since
Sandu came to power in December 2020. Her government
has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of
plotting her overthrow. Meanwhile, police have said criminal
groups and individuals with Russian backing were intent on disrupting
the vote. They have reported actions ranging from bribing
voters to back Moscow, friendly candidates to taking citizens
for training in Russia to stage riots and civil unrest
. Russia denies interfering in Moldova's affairs and accuses its
government of Ria.