Moldovan presidential election: Pro-Russian candidate takes lead

Igor Dodon edges ahead in first round of voting

Moldova's pro-Russian candidate, Igor Dodon, has taken a narrow lead in the first round of the country's presidential election.

Dodon, the leader of the Socialist Party, won 33.3% of the vote, according to preliminary results released by the Central Electoral Commission.

He was followed by Maia Sandu, a former education minister and leader of the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity, who won 31.5% of the vote.

The two candidates will now face each other in a runoff election on November 15.

Dodon's victory in the first round is a setback for Moldova's pro-European government, which has been seeking to steer the country closer to the West.

If Dodon is elected president, he is likely to pursue a more pro-Russian agenda, which could have implications for Moldova's relationship with the European Union and NATO.

Sandu, on the other hand, has pledged to continue Moldova's pro-European course. She has also said she will fight corruption and improve the country's economy.

The runoff election is expected to be close. Dodon has the support of the country's Russian-speaking minority, while Sandu is popular among Moldovans who want to see the country move closer to the EU.

The outcome of the election will have a significant impact on Moldova's future. If Dodon wins, the country is likely to become more closely aligned with Russia. If Sandu wins, Moldova will continue to pursue its pro-European path.

Here is a summary of the key points:

• Igor Dodon, a pro-Russian candidate, has won the first round of the Moldovan presidential election.
• He will face Maia Sandu, a pro-European candidate, in a runoff election on November 15.
• Dodon's victory is a setback for Moldova's pro-European government.
• The runoff election is expected to be close.
• The outcome of the election will have a significant impact on Moldova's future.