Polls close in Moldovan elections

Moldovans have voted in a presidential election that could move the former Soviet republic closer to Europe.

It is the first time in 20 years that citizens have directly voted for their president in a country where many are angry about high-level corruption.

Both the European Union together with the US and Russia seek to have more influence over the impoverished agricultural landlocked nation of 3.5 million, located between EU member Romania and Ukraine.

Election authorities said turnout was 48.92% of the eligible electorate when polls closed on Sunday night. First results were expected within hours.

The favourite of the nine candidates running for the post is Igor Dodon, a 41-year-old pro-Moscow figure who heads the Socialists' Party and who has tapped into widespread dissatisfaction with the pro-European government, which has been in office since 2009.

Moldova was thrown into political turmoil in 2014 with the disappearance of more than 1 billion dollars from the banking system. Weeks of street protests followed and six prime ministers took office in one year.

"This day is important for Moldova. It will be a new beginning. I voted against those who have been in power for seven years, against the oligarchs and the looting of the banking system," Mr Dodon said.

Ex-World Bank economist Maia Sandu is the preferred option for those who want Moldova to join the European mainstream. If no candidate wins a majority, there will be a run off on November 13.

"I voted for an honest president who can unite us, not divide us and have good relations with all countries, large or small, based on mutual respect," she said.

Valentina Cretu, a 41-year-old businesswoman, said she supported Sandu because she had pledged to fight corruption and move closer to the EU. "Without the EU, Moldova can't get rid of poverty and corruption."

The president appoints judges and sets out foreign policy but other major decisions need the approval of Parliament. The popular election, however, could bring the post more influence and authority.

Since then, Parliament has passed anti-corruption laws, forcing public officials to disclose their assets and making the misuse of EU funds a criminal offence.