The pro -European government’s Moldovan, Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), It is ahead of the parliamentary elections with 44.5%, compared to 27.7% for the pro -Russian patriotic bloc, according to the Central Election Commission, with 80% of the votes counting.

The Moldovans came to the ballot on Sunday in a critical election that would decide whether the country will remain on the path of joining the European Union amid concerns about Russian intervention.

The Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) aspires to renew its parliamentary majority, holds 61 out of 101 seats from 2021and is committed to leading Moldova to the European Union over the next five years.

However, officials warn that the pro -Russian patriotic electoral block (BEP) But the Alternativa opposition block may benefit from a misinformation and acquisition of votes that, as reported, is organized by Moscow.

The first results come mainly from small cities and villages, while ballots from large urban centers and overseas constituencies will later be counted. At 9:30 pm (Local Time) The Central Election Committee began the announcement of the first official results, which will be renewed overnight. Votes from the big cities and the diaspora are expected around 11 pm local time.

Polls show that PAS will remain the largest party, but it may lose the absolute majority, with the patriotic block following a short distance. In such a scenario, smaller parties could play a decisive role.

The Alternative block, led by the Mayor of Kisinau Ion Cheban and last year’s contender for the presidency of Alexander Stoyanoglou, is trying to attract frustrated center voters. Although he appears as pro -European, critics call it a “Trojan Horse” of Moscow, which aims to weaken the PAS by maintaining the influence of the Kremlin.

In Moldova, power is shared between the directly elected president and a prime minister appointed by parliament. The President defines foreign policy and security, while the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are managing daily governance.

If PAS suffered a heavy defeat, Sandu may be forced to share power with Dodon, who could take over the prime minister. Dodon has been put into home restraint on corruption charges.

Santu, a former World Bank executive elected in 2020, has supported her presidency on a pro -European course. Her government organized last October’s referendum, in which the Moldovans voted marginally in favor of securing the EU as a constitutional objective. On the same day, Sandu was re -elected for a new four -year term.