Russia looks to Moldova vote

MOLDOVA held elections for a new parliament yesterday, a vote expected to serve the Kremlin with another example of waning Russian influence in former Soviet republics.

Opinion polls predicted pro-Western Communists would retain their grip on power despite a challenge from centrists who favour closer ties with Moscow.

President Vladimir Voronin has been criticised for being heavy-handed with the opposition and tightly controlling the state media. But his Communist party has also led the country, Europe’s poorest, through four years of economic growth.