STORY: The vote count for Moldova’s parliamentary election began on Sunday (September 28) after polling stations closed at 9:00 p.m. local time (1800 GMT).

The result could impact the country’s quest to join the European Union, with the pro-EU government and Russia-friendly opposition accusing each other of foul play hours before polling stations closed.

The ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) is fighting to keep its majority amid attempts by the Russian-leaning Patriotic Bloc to win power and steer the nation away from closer ties with Brussels.

Government officials warned that attempts were underway to disrupt the vote, including cyberattacks on election infrastructure and fake bomb threats at polling stations abroad.

If PAS loses its majority in the 101-seat chamber, Moldova faces further political uncertainty, having been buffeted by the war in neighbouring Ukraine, allegations of Russian interference, and a struggling economy.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: PEOPLE VOTING IN MOLDOVA / POLLING STATION CLOSING / OFFICIALS COUNTING VOTES

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: STRASENI, MOLDOVA (SEPTEMBER 28) (REUTERS – Access all)

1. MAN COLLECTING BALLOT FROM OFFICIALS / WALKING TO VOTING BOOTH

2. MAN CASTING VOTE

3. MAN AT VOTING BOOTH / WALKING TO CAST BALLOT

4. MAN COLLECTING BALLOT

5. OFFICIALS OPENING BALLOT BOX / EMPTYING BOX ON TABLE / COUNTING VOTES

6. OFFICIALS OPENING SECOND BALLOT BOX / EMPTYING BOX ON TABLE / COUNTING VOTES