Moldova votes in election, EU referendum in shadow of alleged Russian meddling

A participant of Moldovan presidential candidate Octavian Ticu's campaign hands out leaflets while agitating voters in a street ahead of the country's upcoming presidential election and a referendum on future European Union membership, in Chisinau, Moldova October 15, 2024. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo

CHISINAU (Reuters) -Moldovans cast their ballots on Sunday in a presidential election and EU referendum at a pivotal moment that could bolster the small agricultural economy's drive to join the European Union, after allegations of Russian election meddling.

As the war in Ukraine rages to the east and turns the political and diplomatic spotlight on the former Soviet republic, it has accelerated its push to escape Moscow's orbit and embarked on the long process of EU accession talks.