Pro-EU, pro-Russia candidates vote in Moldova elex

Moldovans returned to the polls on Sunday for the second round of voting in the country's presidential election, facing a choice between the staunchly pro-Russian incumbent and his popular pro-Western challenger.

The former prime minister, Maia Sandu, beat the odds to win the first round on November 1 with over 36 percent of to vote, leaving the incumbent, President Igor Dodon, trailing her by over 3.5 points.

Sandu, a former World Bank economist, promised during the campaign to secure more financial support from Brussels is she becomes president.

"Today it is in your hands to punish the ones who lied, steal, and impoverished you and made you leave the country," Sandu told supporters.

The election is perceived as a referendum on two divergent visions for the future of the small Eastern European Nation.

Dodon, who was identified as the preferred candidate by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Sandu had been rivals since he narrowly defeated her in the 2016 presidential race.

"I voted for friendship also with the EU and Russian Federation, as well as with Romania and Ukraine. I voted for the memory of those who built this country," Dodon said after voting.

Ever since gaining independence from Soviet Union in 1992, Moldova has been divided between those favouring closer relations with the European Union and those who prefer stronger links with Moscow.

In 2014, while run by a pro-European coalition, the country of 3.5 million people signed a deal on closer political and economic ties with the EU.

However, Brussels has since been increasingly critical of its progress on reforms.

(Image Credit: AP)