Moldova holds presidential runoff amid fraud and intimidation allegations

Moldovans are voting in a presidential runoff between pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu and Russia-friendly Alexandr Stoianoglo. This election follows a first round where Sandu received 42% of the vote, while Stoianoglo garnered nearly 26%. Allegations of voter fraud and intimidation have emerged, including claims of organized transportation of voters and false bomb threats at polling stations abroad. Moldovan police are investigating these incidents, which they say threaten the integrity of the electoral process. A vote-buying scheme linked to exiled oligarch Ilan Shor has also been uncovered, with prosecutors alleging $39 million was paid to voters. Authorities are conducting searches and have detained individuals involved in coercing votes, raising concerns about the fairness of the election.