Moldova's ruling party has pulled ahead of the pro-Russian opposition as votes cast in a key parliamentary election were counted, but it looks set to fall short of the majority it wants in order to push for membership of the European Union.

With nearly 60 per cent of votes cast on Sunday, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) had 43 per cent versus 29 per cent for the Patriotic Bloc, wants to steer the country away from closer ties with the EU and favours friendly relations with Russia,

Mutual recriminations have plagued the buildup to what President Maia Sandu has described as an existential moment for the small eastern-European country that has oscillated between EU and Russian influence.

Government officials have warned of attempts to disrupt the vote, including cyber attacks on e

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