Moldova holds local elections amid Russian meddling allegations

FILE PHOTO: Moldovan President Maia Sandu speaks at the USAID "Democracy Delivers" event at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice, in New York City, U.S., September 20, 2023, on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly. ZAK BENNETT/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

CHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldovans go to the polls on Sunday to elect mayors of villages, towns and cities after the president accused Moscow of meddling in the votes in Ukraine's western neighbour and a pro-Russian party was barred from the race.

The last national vote before presidential elections in November 2024 comes as the ex-Soviet state tries to advance its bid to join the European Union and leave Russia's orbit.