Moldova holds first presidential election in 20 years

Image copyright AFP

Image caption For many the choice is between closer ties with Russia or the EU

Voting is under way in Moldova for the country's first direct presidential election for 20 years.

The vote is being seen as a battle between those supporting closer ties with Russia and those wanting integration with the European Union.

The ex-Soviet republic is one of the poorest countries in Europe and has been hit by a string of high-profile corruption scandals.

Since 1996 presidents of Moldova have been chosen by parliament.

• Moldova country profile

Pavel Filip was appointed prime minister in January and it was his pro-European coalition that re-established the popular vote.

Both the EU and Russia seek greater influence over the country, which is wedged between Ukraine and Romania, but polls indicate that voters are divided about which offers them a better future.

The pro-Moscow Socialist candidate, Igor Dodon, has been ahead in opinion polls and has pledged to push for new parliamentary elections if he wins.

His main rival is Maia Sandu of the pro-Western, centre-right opposition. She has been praised for reforming the education system.

Image copyright Reuters

Image caption It is the first time Moldova has voted for a new president in 20 years

If no candidate wins an outright majority in the first round, a second round of voting will be held on 13 November.

The president appoints judges and sets out foreign policy but other major decisions need the approval of parliament.

Popular election though could bring the post more influence and authority, correspondents say.

Moldova was thrown into political turmoil in 2014 with the disappearance of about $1bn (£820m) from the banking system.

There were weeks of street protests and six prime ministers took office in one year.

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.

Republic of Moldova

Capital: Chisinau

• Population 3.5 million

• Area 33,800 sq km (13,050 sq miles)

• Major languages Romanian (called "Moldovan" in official documents), Russian

• Major religion Christianity

• Life expectancy 66 years (men), 73 years (women)

• Currency leu