Moldovan government accuses Russia of 'massive interference' in ...

Moldova's pro-European Union (EU) incumbent Maia Sandu has claimed victory in a tense presidential run-off against pro-Russian party rival Alexandr Stoianoglo. 

Ms Sandu pulled ahead with almost 95 per cent of the votes counted.

"Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of being written in history books … Freedom, truth, and justice have prevailed," the 52-year-old former World Bank economist declared as she claimed victory on Sunday local time.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Monday congratulated Ms Sandu on her re-election and the country's "European future".

"It takes a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges you've faced in this election. I'm glad to continue working with you towards a European future for Moldova and its people," von der Leyen wrote on X.

Ms Sandu had previously accused Russia of "massive interference" in the country's presidential elections, as voters headed to the polls on Sunday.

Ms Sandu, who began talks with the European Union (EU) about joining the bloc this year, faced off against Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is backed by the traditionally pro-Russian Socialist Party.

The result was expected to be closely watched by the EU and Russia.

The future of Moldova, a poor agricultural nation of fewer than 3 million people, has been in the spotlight since Russia began its full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in 2022.

Moldova's incumbent president, Maia Sandu, wants to forge closer ties with the European Union. (Reuters: Vladislav Culiomza)

"We're seeing massive interference by Russia in our electoral process," Ms Sandu's national security adviser Stanislav Secrieru wrote on X.

He described the interference as having a "high potential to distort the outcome".

There was no immediate comment from Moscow, which has denied past allegations of meddling.

After casting his ballot, Mr Stoianoglo on Sunday said he had voted for a Moldova that "isn't standing with its hand out, but develops in harmony based on relations with the West and East".

The Moldovan government had previously accused oligarch Ilan Shor of spending millions of dollars to pay constituents to vote against Ms Sandu, an allegation he denies.

Ms Sandu previously alleged that Mr Shor had attempted to buy 300,000 votes, representing 10 per cent of Moldova's population, during the first round of presidential elections on October 20.

After no presidential candidate received more than 50 per cent of the vote, a run-off election was scheduled for November 3.

During a referendum held on the same day, the country narrowly voted in favour of joining the EU.

In his post on X, Mr Secrieru also detailed allegations that residents of Transnistria, a pro-Russia breakaway region of Moldova where Russian troops are stationed as peacekeepers, are being transported to vote in the country.

He said people had also been brought by organised group transport from Russia and taken by bus and on large charter flights to Moldovan polling stations abroad in Baku, Istanbul and Minsk.

Reuters/ AFP