Moldovans go to polls to decide whether future lies with Russia or the west

Presidential election and EU referendum take place amid concerns over interference from Moscow

Moldovans are voting in a presidential election and an EU referendum that will mark a pivotal moment in the tug-of-war between Russia and the west over the future of the small, landlocked south-east European country of fewer than 3 million people.

The pro-western president, Maia Sandu, hopes to advance her agenda by winning a second term and securing a yes" in a referendum to affirm EU accession as a irreversible" goal in the constitution.