Moldova’s pro-Western president looks set to secure narrow election victory

Moldova’s President Maia Sandu smiles while holding a bouquet of flowers as she celebrates with supporters the preliminary results of the presidential election runoff, in Chisinau, Moldova (Vadim Ghirda/AP)

Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu appeared set to win a second term in office with a narrow victory against her Russia-friendly opponent, electoral data suggested on Sunday.

It came as the pivotal vote in the European Union candidate country was counted following claims of voter fraud, electoral interference and intimidation.