Election officials in Moldova have barred an opposition Russia-friendly party from standing in Sunday's parliamentary election, a move that threatens to raise tensions ahead of the high-stakes vote.

The decision by the Central Election Committee to exclude Heart of Moldova, part of the Patriotic Bloc (BEP), followed a court ruling limiting the party's activity for one year.

The justice ministry requested the restrictions following searches earlier this month on Heart of Moldova party members that led to allegations of voter bribery, illegal party financing and money laundering.

The electoral commission said in a statement that all candidates proposed by Heart of Moldova will be removed from the bloc's list of candidates, and gave the bloc 24 hours to adjust its list to meet the represen

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