Heart of Moldova leader Irina Vlah has accused the government of trying the "silence" the party. Photo: AP PHOTO

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.

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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

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